|
St.Patricks
Parade declared outstanding success
St.Patricks day in Limerick |
AFTER
what was declared to be the best St Patrick's Day parade went
off without a hitch, the International Band Parade dazzled the
people of Limerick on Sunday.
On Saturday
night, the Limerick International Band Recital Competition took
place at the University Concert Hall .
The competition
set the mood for the much anticipated parade on Sunday morning.
The event
attracted 50 bands from across the world this year. Joining
local bands including the Newcastle West & District Pipe Band
and the Corpus Christi/ Southside Marching Band are the Roosevelt
High School "Roughrider" Band and the IUOE Local 94 Pipes &
Drums of New York City.
Since its
beginning, this event has attracted bands from the USA, Britain,
France, Holland, Italy, Japan and Singapore as well as from
Northern Ireland and the Republic.
To match
the big band sound, this year's parade was led by a 'big' family
of giants from Chester. The parade started from O'Connell Avenue
and proceeded to King John's Castle.
According
to festival organiser Jessica Colleran the response to Thursday's
parade was "outstanding".
Children
and adults from all ages came out in their thousands to cheer
as floats, bands and groups from every area in the city took
to the city's streets to celebrate the day of our patron saint.
Amongst
those who took part in the parade were City Rhythym, Limerick
Sub Aqua Club, the Irish-Polish Association, Live 95FM, Belly
Dance Ireland, Limerick Hot Rod Club and Limerick Panto Society.
According
to festival organisers, in keeping with the theme of inclusion
this year, there were no official prizes given out to foster
the idea of participation. Instead, there were two "random"
prizes awarded to Southill Junior School and Banogue Youth Club.
MC Michael
McNamara declared the parade to be the best parade in Limerick
"in the past 10 to 15 years". News
powered by: Limerick
Evening Echo
| 
