THE annual Limerick Pride Parade took place in spectacular colour this past Saturday (July 12), the highlight of the 2025 Limerick Pride festival.
Speaking at the start of the parade, as thousands lined the Shannonside streets in anticipation, parade grand marshal and long-time LGBTQ+ activist Tonie Walsh spoke of Limerick’s strong ties and history within the community, and reminded people of their “duty to recall our collective memory. We have a duty to ensure our collective memory is neither diminished nor destroyed.”
“To all those who still haven’t worked out what Pride is all about, let me tell you,” he said.
“Pride is many things to different people. It is not only a political protest at unfinished business but also a street rave, a family day out, and, not unlike tonight, a chance to catch up with friends (and even ex-lovers). It is a necessary corrective to often drab street life and pervasive heteronormativity. It is a time to celebrate our relationships and our families both biological and logical.”
Tonie told the crowd that “Pride is a time to wonder at the distance we’ve travelled. As we recall the exciting but often dangerous journeys we’ve taken let’s give thanks for where we are now, today, and remind ourselves to never take it for granted. There is no going back.”
“Pride is the history of LGBT liberation writ large. It is our story, the story of a rainbow society finding its voice, its agency, and marching with urgency and glamour to our rightful place at the centre of society. And in the process, hopefully liberating all in our wake.”
Tonie told parade-goers that “days like today are about inviting the citizens of Limerick and Ireland to join us in celebrating our journey of liberation and visibility.”
And visibility was not a challenge on Saturday as the parade passed through the streets in vivid rainbow colour, with thousands lining out for the annual highlight of the Pride festival.
Tonie led the parade waving out from an open top Bentley, followed closely by the City of Limerick Pipe Band, along with community groups and organisations from across the county, cheered on by Limerick LGBTQ+ community, supporters, and allies.
The LGBTQ+ activist and parade grand marshal urged those across Limerick and Ireland to “put our collective memory to the service of our Irish history, ensuring it doesn’t forget those we left behind. A history where we see ourselves represented fully and valued. Where it’s taken for granted that we are all – everyone – engaged in the process of building a modern republic that is outward looking, positive and inclusive. A modern republic that is rich in culture, rich in community and rich in humanity.”
“On days like today, we remember our duty of care to others less fortunate than us, whether its advocating for the safety and security of our trans brothers and sisters here, in Europe, and other far away places: being an international voice and a country of hope for others who have neither a voice nor the dignity that we here take for granted.
“Being a voice for queer Traveller kids who demand to be seen, cherished, and valued. Being an advocate for better sexual health education, and demanding that our culture and history is represented in the education system.
“Being voice for our brothers and sisters up North who are wondering how long is it going to take to finally reunite the whole country.
“We are all united in this together, for as long as it takes. So as we prepare to rock the streets of Limerick, let’s try and bring everyone along for the ride. Let’s try to leave no-one behind.”
