THERE was a Mardi Gras atmosphere in Limerick City on Friday as the Royal de Luxe Giant Grandmother took to the streets. She began her journey at 10 am, greeting those who had patiently waited for her to wake up with the words, “Long live Limerick” before setting off to meet the thousands who lined the roads to greet her.
Cheers and gasps of wonder preceded the 25 foot-high Giant the 26 Lilliputians who help her to make the journey.
Roars of laughter were prompted by her taking a widdle on O’Connell Street and people sat on the ground to hear her tell the story of the Vikings and Limerick. The key event in City of Culture 2014 brought crowds into the city to see her walk, sleep, tell stories through an interpreter and smile at her many fans.
Up to 70,000 people are expected to turn out on Saturday and almost as many on Sunday to see the second leg of her journey and her departure by boat down the River Shannon.
Most of the city centre was closed off for long periods today, but Gardai said the majority of people were very coperative and understanding.
