17th March 2013: Limerick’s St Patrick’s Festival 2013 entertained like never before with a fun filled parade, bright sunshine and a world record attempt!
Publish Date: Sunday 17th March 2013
Limerick's St Patrick’s Festival 2013 entertained like never before with a fun filled parade, bright sunshine and a world record attempt!
A giant St Patrick led more than 4,000 colourful participants in Limerick’s St Patrick’s Day Parade as Grand Marshal, including 285 locals dressed as Ireland’s patron saint in an attempt to break the world record for the most gathered in one place. The record had been held by Kilrush, Co Clare who had 207 at last year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Local dignitaries including Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Gerry McLoughlin, Cathaoirleach Jerome Scanlan and Kieran O’Donnell TD joined members of Limerick City Council and invited guests to witness more than 100 different community groups, companies, bands and sports clubs take part in the two hour parade which is Ireland’s largest regional event today.
Gardaí estimate that more than 50,000 people lined the Limerick parade route which stretched from O’Connell Avenue to Island Road.
The theme of the 2013 Limerick St Patrick’s Day Parade was 'Saints and Scholars' which saw hundreds of participants dress up as St Patrick and also perform in the parade.
Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan won Best Float while the Filipino Community took the honours for the Most Entertaining group with Macnas taking the most eco-friendly award and Limerick City Rhythm winning Best Musical Performance.
Highlights of the Limerick St Patrick’s Day Parade 2013 included:
- The Limerick Military Entry was led by the Colour Party down the traditional route of O’Connell Street past the Review Stand to Island Road
- Ireland’s largest tricolour was carried by members of St Michael’s Rowing Club, the 2013 Flag Ambassadors
- A Parade of Patrick’s, participating in the parade in an attempt to break the world record for the most St Patrick’s in one place with 285 participants
- Limerick City’s streets burst into life with the magical performance of ‘The Cockroach and the Inventor’ by Irish performers Macnas
- Limerick’s new communities were well represented with lively performances from the Filipino, Indian, Eastern European and African communities
- Musical performances from the Irish Chamber Orchestra and many marching bands ahead of the International Band Championships in Limerick tomorrow
"The Limerick St Patrick’s Festival truly pulled out all the stops this year with an impressive line up of performers for the St Patrick’s Day Parade," said Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Gerry McLoughlin. "Ahead of Limerick becoming the first National City of Culture next year, everyone put in a huge amount of effort into their floats and this year’s parade had a strong community element and showcased the city at its very best. It was great to see thousands of spectators on the streets, thoroughly enjoying themselves and even better that the sun shone and the weather held out for us!"
More than 1000 musicians in 22 international bands will take part in the 2013 Limerick International Band Championship tomorrow, Monday, March 18th at 12 noon.
Limerick City is full of festive fun this weekend with traditional music at the popular 'trad trail' of cosy musical pubs running until tomorrow and the St. Patrick’s Festival Club invites spectators to relax and enjoy the festivities post parade with free live music and finger food at the Limerick Strand, Clarion and Greenhills Hotels.
The Milk Market, the Hunt Museum and Limerick Racecourse are running full, family friendly St Patrick’s Festival events.
Limerick’s Clarion Hotel, the Hunt Museum, City Hall and Adare Manor have joined major world landmarks turning green for St Patrick’s weekend, spreading an emerald glow throughout the city.
The Limerick St Patrick’s Festival is run on behalf of the Limerick Communications Office by Futureama Productions and is generously sponsored by Limerick City Council in conjunction with Shannon Development, Fáilte Ireland, Stryker, Limerick Regeneration, Analog, Limerick’s Live 95FM and McDonalds.
More details on the 2013 Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival including the International Band Championship can be found on www.limerick.ie/stpatricksfestival.