Limerick celebrated its largest ever St Patrick’s Day Parade with over 4,600 participants taking part in the colourful event as the city celebrated being crowned 2011 EU City of Sport.
A crowd of up to 70,000 spectators lined O’Connell Street for the parade which was led by some of the country’s successful sporting heroes including transatlantic rower Sean McGowan who travelled the parade route in Tess- the boat he used to become the first Irishman to singlehandedly row across the Atlantic.
He was joined by fellow Grand Marshals; Ireland and Munster rugby player John Hayes; Limerick GAA player Gary Kirby, Ireland’s most capped hockey player, Eimear Cregan, and former soccer player/manager Eoin Hand.
Local TDs including Minister for Finance Michael Noonan, Minister of State, Jan O’Sullivan, Kieran O’Donnell and Willie O’Dea were present with the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Maria Byrne, members of Limerick City Council.
With over 4,600 participants, Limerick city hosted the largest regional parade.
The Northside Learning Hub took the honours for Best Float while the Filipino community won the Most Entertaining Group award.
“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.
The Limerick St Patrick’s Festival 2011 continues until Sunday, March 20th when more than 1000 musicians will perform for the 41st Limerick International Band Competition.