Limerick celebrated its largest ever St Patrick’s Day event with over 4,600 participants taking part in this year’s parade, aimed at celbrating Limerick’s status as EU city of Sport 2011.
The Northside Learning Hub once again took the honours for their interpretation of the ‘Amazing Circus of Sport’ while the Filipino community won the Most Entertaining Group award.
Gardai reportedly estimated that close to 70,000 people thronged the streets to watch five of Limerick’s most popular and successful sporting heroes lead the Parade including transatlantic rower Sean McGowan, Munster rugby hero John Hayes; Limerick GAA star, Gary Kirby, Ireland’s most capped hockey player, Eimear Cregan, and former soccer player and manager Eoin Hand.
With over 4,600 participants, it is believed Limerick city hosted the largest regional parade in the country.
The crowds were entertained with fire-breathers, stilt walkers, local belly-dancers from Shahira Dance group, clowns and live music while Limerick’s talented arts and community groups showcased their talents with brightly coloured floats and entries.
All this was to be seen between the roar of motorcycle engines courtesy of the Goldwing Club of Ireland and the Munster Harley Davidson enthusiasts.
The Limerick Military Entry was led by the 12th Infantry Batallion from Sarsfield Barracks who proudly marched down the traditional route of O’Connell Street past the review stand.
“It was a fantastic parade truly showcasing the best of Limerick sport and our hundreds of community groups who put in such a wonderful effort with their imaginative floats and demonstrations,” Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Maria Byrne said.
Minister for Finance Michael Noonan, Minister of State, Jan O’Sullivan, Kieran O’Donnell TD and Willie O’Dea TD were also in attendance.
“We were blessed with the weather and the thousands of spectators on the streets really enjoyed themselves on what was a very enjoyable day.”
Below is a slideshow of some of our photos of the Day.
Well Done to the Saints (St Patrick’s GAA) marching to celebrate their 125 year anniversary