A MAJOR showpiece in Limerick’s annual festival calendar could fizzle out-because of lack of funding.
The popular barbeque competition, part of Riverfest, and which attracted a worldwide entry, is in danger of collapse.
The annual running cost is 100,000 euro, but only 10,000 euro sponsorship was available to the organisers.
Riverfest includes many forms of outdoor entertainment, i.e. live outdoor music, stalls and the barbeque competition. It has run each May Bank Holiday weekend for the last five years, drawing crowds of up to 40,000 from around the globe.
Pat O’Sullivan, chairman of The Irish Barbeque Association, described the competition as immensely successful and brought a great deal of tourism to the area, with 100 countries competing in the cook-off, which allows the public to sample the best of international cuisine.
O’Sullivan, and Tara Hartigan, Events Co-Ordinator, expressed their deep disappointment at the withdrawal of the funds.
O’Sullivan stated: “This event brings powerful economic stimulus into our community. The removal of Riverfeast would be like cancelling the Rose of Tralee in Limerick. The celebration draws in tourists from Europe, UK and Ireland”.
Tara added: “Riverfeast is a positive thing for Limerick on so many levels. It has made its mark by embracing the cultural diversity so evident in our country today and promotes integration, while also putting Limericks best attributes forward. It is a great shame that we have been informed of the lack of funding at such late notice”.
However Mr. O’Sullivan says he does not want to assign blame for the removal of funds for the barbeque competition.
Instead, he respects the decision and is eager to thank those at City Hall and Shannon Development who rescued the festival when they found themselves in a similar funding situation last year.
Despite the withdrawal of finances, Pat and Tara are determined that the event will go ahead at a later date
Laura Ryan of Limerick Co-ordination office confirmed that Riverfest itself will be celebrated this year.
“It is disappointing that the barbeque competition will not be included as it is always a great success. However, it will be great to have two celebrations in Limerick in ‘09, if the barbeque takes place later in the summer”.
