The countdown to Limerick LGBTQ Pride Festival 2023 officially began with the press launch at the Hunt Museum in Limerick on Thursday, June 1.
At the Limerick Pride 2023 press launch Lisa Daly, Chairperson Limerick LGBTQ Pride 2023 said,
“We are thrilled to be back and able to offer a fantastic line up for Limerick LGBTQ Pride Festival 2023, running from Monday, July 3 until Sunday, July 9 with the Parade on Saturday, July 8. This Pride month marks the 30th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexual acts between men in Ireland and we wanted to acknowledge this so our theme this year is ‘United in Solidarity’. When we march up O’Connell Street on Saturday, July 8, we will be marching in honour of our brothers and sisters who came before us and laid the path for our freedom. We want to spotlight and celebrate the power and resiliency of our community.”
On Saturday, June 24, the Rainbow River Swim Parade will mark the 30 year anniversary of decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland and will kick-off the Pride festivities from 10am from Curraghgour Boat Club with over 80 swimmers from Limerick swimming group Limerick Narwhals taking to the river followed by over sailing boats, paddle boats and kayaks in a celebration of Pride on the River Shannon.
The Pride committee is delighted to announce this year’s Grand Marshall is Limerick sporting legend Jackie McCarthy O’Brien. Jackie is a Limerick woman who possesses the rare ability to be able to say she has played both rugby and football for Ireland. Jackie won 13 international caps with the Rep of Ireland women’s senior soccer side, followed by a similar number of appearances with the Ireland women’s senior rugby side.
Richard Lynch, PRO of Limerick Pride said,
“The resilience Jackie showed in overcoming adversity sets her apart from many of her peers. She took a road less travelled to the very pinnacle in two major international sports. We are beyond honoured that Jackie will be the Limerick Pride Grand Marshal 2023. This year is especially important to our community as it’s the 30th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland and Jackie is a truly inspirational person who has fought for equality her entire life.”
Grand Marshall Jackie McCarthy O’Brien commented,
“I am simply thrilled and honoured to be the Limerick Pride Grand Marshal 2023 and will treasure the opportunity to stand united in solidarity with my community as we remember and acknowledge the struggles our community has faced over the last 30 years.”
Limerick Pride LGBTQ Festival 2023 will feature a multitude of events from workshops, support meetings and discussions to evenings of music and club nights, to cater to the Pride needs of everyone. Lisa Daly, Chairperson Pride added, “All events for 2023 reflect the breadth and depth of our LGBTQIA+ community. From the iconic nature of our Pride March to our newer events, we’ve created events with our entire community in mind.”
