Sport to the fore as heroes of track and field take the lead

LIMERICK: LIMERICK CELEBRATED its largest parade with over 4,600 participants taking part in the colourful event as the city…

LIMERICK:LIMERICK CELEBRATED its largest 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.

It was led by some of the country’s successful sporting heroes, including transatlantic rower Sean McGowan, who proudly travelled the parade route in Tess, the boat he used to become the first Irishman to single-handedly row across the Atlantic.

He was joined by fellow grand marshals, Ireland and Munster rugby hero John Hayes; Limerick GAA star Gary Kirby; Ireland’s most capped hockey player, Eimear Cregan; and former soccer soccer player and Irish manager Eoin Hand.

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Local TDs attending including Minister for Finance Michael Noonan, Minister of State Jan O’Sullivan, Kieran O’Donnell and Willie O’Dea.

Also there to view the entrants taking part in the parade were the Mayor of Limerick Maria Byrne,members of Limerick City Council and several guests.

With more than 4,600 participants, Limerick city hosted the largest regional parade in the State. The Northside Learning Hub once again took the honours for best float.

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,” said Ms Byrne.

The Limerick St Patrick’s Festival 2011 continues until Sunday, when more than 1,000 musicians will perform in the 41st Limerick International Band Competition. The competition parade starts at midday from O’Connell Avenue.