SEVENTY thousand revellers lined the streets of Limerick City for a St Patrick’s day parade full of music and mayhem.
The city’s CBS Pipeband pumped up the energy as 60 different floats and groups from all over the world participated in the “Legends of Limerick” themed parade, celebrating local heroes, achievers, and inspirational community volunteers.
As the parade swept colour and craic through the city, Limerick’s directly elected mayor, John Moran, jumped from his seat in the grand stand to dance with performers from the Limerick’s Migrant Integration forum.
Limerick’s last surviving fife band, St Mary’s fife and drum band, formed 141 years ago, whistled traditional tunes, as knights from King John’s Castle clashed swords for the crowds.
Irish dancing schools, stage schools, and sports clubs across the city and county flooded the parade with pride in their communities.
High flying performers from Fidget Feet wowed with aerial acrobatic artistry, and the Irish National Clown Orchestra of Ireland laughed it up with some bum notes.
Mayor Moran had a simple message for the crowds attending the parade: “Be safe, have fun”.
“It’s been a wonderful celebration of Limerick and its people and it was fantastic to see thousands lining the city streets,” said mayor Moran.
“I also congratulate all the communities who held celebrations in towns and villages across the county, showcasing the best of what Limerick has to offer.”
Grand Marshall, and Irish national women’s marathon champion, Ava Crean kept the festivities moving fast.
“I was very honoured, and a little surprised, to be asked to be Parade Grand Marshal, it meant a lot to walk the route with the whole community and to hear all the kids and adults cheering,” said Ms Crean.
“Having kids come up to me to say congratulations really means a lot and it made the day even more special,” she added.
For the first time ever, audiences around the world were able to watch the Limerick City parade live on limerick.ie
Brendan Troy, Senior Executive Officer, Tourism, Enterprise and Trade at Limerick City and County Council, said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to introduce live-streaming allowing people across the world to tune in and share in the excitement,” said Mr Troy.