COMMUNITY activist Tonie Walsh has been announced as the grand marshal for Limerick Pride 2025.
Tonie, a DJ and lifelong advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights will lead this year’s parade on Saturday July 12 through the city, under the theme of ‘United In This Together’, in a call for togetherness in the face of global challenges being faced by the community.
Lisa Daly, Limerick Pride chairperson, reminded people across all communities that a movement for unity cannot happen with just “one or two people”, calling for an effort by different groups in joining together.
“ This movement can’t happen with one or two people, we need to be all together, our allies and our whole city,” Ms Daly said ahead of this year’s Pride festival.
“Even throughout the world, we need to stand by our communities and represent them all. That’s why having Tony as grand marshall this year is amazing, he is such a trailblazer who has been there from the start. I think that needs to be a reminder to people. This year, we’re fighting from the beginning all over again for our rights.”
Mr Walsh is already well known in the community and beyond from his early involvement with the National LGBT Federation, the National LGBT Archive, and his work with Gay Community News.
Speaking at his announcement as grand marshal, Tonie took the opportunity to remember the roots of Pridein Ireland.
“ The very first Pride event in Ireland was in 1974 when 10 lesbians and gay men walked with great, great fierceness. They had a protest outside the British Embassy in Dublin, and then another protest outside the Department of Justice,” he recalled.
“These important festivals aren’t just about a fabulous opportunity for Limerick queers to show off their finest for one day of the year. It’s about all of the city embracing what we’re offering and coming with us on our journey. That’s really important.”
The 2025 Limerick Pride Festival will run from July 7 to 13, with the parade as its centrepiece on July 12, departing from Merchants Quay at 2pm.
Pridefest behind the Hunt Museum will get underway from 3pm after the parade, featuring live music, performances, kids’ face painting, and Myles Breen’s fan favourite tea dance.
Pride Week will close with the Climax Party at Dolans on July 12, with entertainment headlined by Kyran Thrax, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, and a live performance by the world’s leading Britney Spears impersonator.
