LIMERICK:MORE THAN 60,000 people lined the streets of Limerick city in glorious sunshine for the parade.
Children’s TV presenter Emma O’Driscoll, who was grand marshal of this year’s event, described the day as one of the “happiest in my life”.
The Celebrity Banisteoir contestant travelled in a horse-drawn carriage and was accompanied by members of St Patrick’s GAA club, who joined her in a rendition of Here Come The Boys at the reviewing stand.
More than 3,000 people took part in the parade, which attracted some 90 floats.
Among the highlights of this year’s event was the celebration of Limerick’s love of rugby led by six-year-old Cian Casey, who was the parade’s first junior marshal.
He led the hundreds-strong Red Army rugby section in an open-top Munster red MGM roadster.
The theme of this year’s event, led by a colour party from the Army bearing the national Tricolour was “Go Green”.
The prize for best float was awarded to recycling company Clean Ireland while the parade champions title went to church group Abundant Life.
The Limerick City Rhythm Marching band won the prize for best musical entry.
Among those present was Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea.