Polish presence adds spice to the festivities

WITH one of the biggest Polish communities in the country, numbering more than 5,000, Limerick’s St Patrick’s Day parade featured a magnificent Polish accordion orchestra.

Dressed in traditional Polish costumes, they received a huge reception from the 30,000-strong crowd which lined the city streets.

The orchestra were guests of the Limerick Polish Society.

Dignitaries on the review stand were led by the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Diarmuid Scully and Defence Minister Willie O’Dea.

Three local children shared the honour of being Grand Marshal for Limerick’s big parade.

Jack Kenny, aged nine, from Ballybrown, along with sisters Lisa, aged 12, and Donna Quinn, aged 10, travelled in a horse-drawn carriage at the head of the parade.

Lisa and Donna were thrilled when they found out they would be leading the parade. Their parents, Antoinette and Michael Quinn from the Roxboro Road, said it was better than winning the Lotto.

A new addition was the street entertainment to add to the festivities.

An International Band Recital will take place at Pery Square Fair this afternoon as part of Limerick’s Springfest festivities.