Postponed owing to the pandemic for the last couple of years, a St. Patrick’s Day parade will happen in no less than TEN locations across Limerick this Thursday.
While the city will host the main parade (from 12 noon) there are others also lined-up for Abbeyfeale at 4pm, Adare (its first in almost 25 years) at 3pm, Askeaton at 2.30pm, Ballylanders at 3pm, Bruff at 2.30pm, Castleconnell at 12 noon, Kilfinane at 1pm, Kilmallock at 1pm and Rathkeale, 12 noon.
“I’m delighted that we are seeing a return of the Limerick St Patrick’s Festival to the streets of Limerick, and of so many parades across the county also, after a two-year break. The excitement is growing among part-icipants, and it will be great for us to celebrate our national holiday and our culture in such a unique way,” commented Mayor Daniel Butler.
Mayor Butler will be in London on St. Patrick’s Day, while Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan heads to Chicago and Niall Collins, also Minister of State, travels to Croatia.
In Limerick, visual artists Buí Bolg will join Spotlight Stage School, Artastic, the Hit Machine Drummers and hundreds of local participants in a carnival of colour, music and spectacle celebrating this year’s theme, ‘Belonging and Identity.’
Our back-to-back All-Ireland-winning senior hurling champions will lead a 250-strong Limerick GAA contingent as 2022 Grand Marshals. All-Star Aaron Gillane commented: “It’s a great honour for us to be the Grand Marshal for the parade; it’s a huge privilege for us as a team. I know there will be plenty of clubs from all over Limerick that we haven’t been able to get to see over the past two years, so we’re looking forward to seeing all of them on Thursday.”
Special recognition will be given to the plight of the people of Ukraine during the parade.
The route of this year’s parade has been altered due to revitalisation works on O’Connell Street.
On Sunday next, the 50th International Band Championship will ensure Limerick will again (from 12 noon) be filled with the spectacular sight and sound of talented marching band musicians from across the world.
A jamboree will be held at Arthur’s Quay Park with the bands performing and the winners being announced.
In Limerick city, a special autism-friendly area will be located along the route at the Crescent for both days, and will include a sensory room, covered marquee and seating area. Access to this area will be limited with special wristbands being provided by ASD Ireland.
There are plenty of events lined up across Limerick to celebrate the extra long bank holiday weekend, including a 6km St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun Run in Croom (9.30am), Fire and Aerial Extravaganza at Merchant’s Quay (pre-booking, Saturday), Beat on the Street at Hunt Museum Garden (pre-booking, Friday) and actor Jon Kenny of Lough Gur in the acclaimed ‘Crowman’ at Glórach Theatre, Abbeyfeale (Saturday, 8pm).
A Fair is listed for Tournafulla Community Centre on Sunday.
Visit limerick.ie/StPatricksFestival.ie for information on happenings, and the Limerick Parade route, along with the festival playlist.