Limerick will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (Sunday) with parades across the county, including, after an absence, in the county capital of Newcastle West.
Newcastle West will hold its parade on Saturday at 3pm, with a host of festivities from 1pm around The Square.
The parade route is from the Community Centre on to The Square, along Maiden Street, rounding into North Quay and returning through Bridge Street back to The Square. Lead participants include Newcastle West Pipe Band and Newcastle West School of Performing Arts.
Elsewhere in the county, parades are planned for St. Patrick’s Day in Abbeyfeale (4pm), Adare (3pm), Askeaton (2.30pm), Ballylanders (3pm), Bruff (2.30pm), Castleconnell (12 noon), Kilfinane (2pm), Kilmallock (1pm), Mountcollins (12.30pm) and Rathkeale, 12.30pm.
In the city, Young Scientist and Technology winner Seán O’Sullivan, 17, of Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom will be Parade Grand Marshal. The parade starts at 12 noon.
“I’m honoured,” said Seán. “I’ve been to the St.Patrick’s Day Festival many times and it’s a celebration of everything that is Irish and I am forever grateful to be given this opportunity.
“While I’m going to be there as the Young Scientist of 2024, this will be so much more than myself. It’s my parents [Gerard and Tara, along with siblings Sara and Tom], it’s the school [Coláiste Chiaráin] that has nurtured this, it’s a combination of everything up until this moment and I think that, if anything, it will be a celebration of science in Ireland.”
ASD Ireland, in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, will present an autism-friendly, relaxed environment to view the St. Patrick’s Festival parade in the city. The new purpose-built, wheelchair accessible and eco-friendly mobile sensory room is the first of its kind. Request access to this viewing point at the Crescent, O’Connell Street by emailing keith@asdireland.ie.
Meanwhile, the 52nd Limerick International Parade will be held on Bank Holiday Monday, with a Musical Jamboree afterwards at Arthur’s Quay Park.