Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival kicked into high gear today as the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade entertained a crowd of more than 50 thousand people that lined the parade route in Limerick City Centre.
From high octane thrills with Limerick Motor Club to Fidget Feet’s high-fliers, the unstoppable athletes of Limerick City Special Olympics and a giant snake from Buí Bolg, this year’s parade delivered on it’s theme, “Limerick: A Different Kind of Energy.”
There was plenty of sunshine for the more than 1500 participants, representing over 70 groups and communities as they marched, danced, cycled, drove and sang their way through the city centre during the 90 minute showcase of multi-culturalism and creativity, celebrating Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell enjoyed the parade saying,
“As Mayor, I was delighted to celebrate this important day with the people of Limerick. The parade was fun and exciting with great enthusiasm from the crowds and the participants. It was a fantastic show of community spirit and a worthy celebration of our Patron Saint. Limerick City and County Council must be commended for delivering a fantastic festival across this weekend and I am looking forward to ending on a musical note with the 52nd International Band Championship tomorrow.”
Parade Grand Marshal Seán O’Sullivan was surrounded by a showcase of AI and technological innovation. The pupil from Coláiste Chiaráin, and winner of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2024, travelled the parade route alongside a prototype Jaguar Landrover Defender, kitted out by Provizio, which used Artificial Intelligence Neural Nets to map and understand the parade route while also classifying vehicles, pedestrians and safe driving paths.
Sean described his experience as “surreal” adding,
“I’ve been to so many St. Patrick’s Day parades I could never have imagined being the Grand Marshal. It’s a lovely day, I hope everyone really enjoyed it. I can’t articulate how grateful I am to be given this opportunity. I have friends who are going to be in the parade today and I have friends who are also coming to see the parade. It’s just unbelievable and I am forever grateful.”
More traditional vehicles put on a show as Limerick Motor Club marked confirmation that Limerick will be a host venue for the World Rally Championships for 2025-2027, delighting onlookers with a roaring display of rally cars.
Street theatre company Buí Bolg charmed the crowd with a giant snake that even St. Patrick might have struggled to banish from the country.
The tradition of marching bands taking part in Limerick St. Patrick’s Day parades remains strong and this year there was a special celebration for the Band Director of the CBS Pipe Band, Barry Carey, marking 60 years of his involvement.
Mirror Ball Dancers dazzled and Limerick’s growing international communities showcased their own traditions with colourful and musical displays. Irish dancers and martial artists high kicked their way along the route, scouts trooped and Limerick’s emergency services were given a hero’s welcome.
Sporting prowess was also on display with Soccer, rugby, athletics and GAA clubs all trooping their club colours. There were star turns with medal and title winning athletes from the Munster Wheelchair Hurling Camogie Club and Limerick City Special Olympics Sports Club.
Limerick St. Patrick’s Day Parade prizes were awarded to the following:
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Best Overall Performance - Indigenous Biafra
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A Different Kind of Energy – King’s Island Community
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Best Youth Group – Munster Wheelchair Hurling Camogie Club
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Best Creative Entry – Buí Bolg
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Best Musical Performance – Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band
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Best Community Award – Limerick Migrant Forum
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Best Upcycling/Sustainability Award – Lumen Street Theatre
The Limerick St Patrick’s Festival 2024 continues with the focus turning to the 52nd International Band Championship tomorrow. The annual parade is unique to Limerick and this year will feature performances from marching bands from across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK and the US.
A free Jamboree in Arthur’s Quay Park will follow the parade when the competition winners will also be announced.
It promises to be a captivating finale to the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival.
Limerick.ie/stpatricksfestival is the place to go for all the details in just a few clicks.
Road Closures
A number of road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect to facilitate the Limerick International Band Championship March 18. Full details available on Limerick.ie.
Grooveyard is producing this year’s Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival on behalf of Limerick City and County Council along with partners Analog Devices, Mr. Binman, Maldron Hotel, Crescent Shopping Centre and Fáilte Ireland.
Media Sponsors are Limerick Leader, Live 95, Limerick Post and Spin South West.
For the most up-to-date details, check out Limerick.ie/StPatricksFestival and Limerick St Patrick’s Festival social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X).
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