Gleeson rows in behind city Springfest celebration
Queen Maebh and King Ailil will return on March 17 for the St Patrick’s Day parade.
Limerick person of the year, Atlantic rower, Paul Gleeson, will have pride of place, leading the parade as grand marshal.
The parade will mark the official launch of Springfest 2007.
The theme of the parade is Irish Myths and Legend. Hundreds of community, school, sports, arts and volunteer groups will march under the same banner.
St Patrick’s Springfest runs from March 14 to 19.
Mayor Joe Leddin said yesterday: “It has an exciting calendar of events for all ages including music, street theatre, dance, market stalls, live gigs and comedy.”
The International Band Parade will make a welcome return on Sunday March 18 with over 20 marching bands from Ireland and abroad taking part.
Mr Leddin said that Limerick City Council was delighted to be increasing its financial support for the festival.
“This festival is a great opportunity to showcase the great organisations representing all sectors of the city and our many artistic and cultural talents to a national and international audience and welcome all visitors to Europe’s new Riverside City,” he said.
Paul Gleeson rowed 2,500 miles in the Atlantic Rowing Race with his girlfriend Tori Holmes and she will join him leading the parade.
Paul said: “It’s truly an honour to be asked to be the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade coming so quickly after being named Limerick Person of the Year. All the sacrifices my girlfriend Tori and I made in completing our journey are made so much more special when it leads to an honour like this.”
David Tighe, chief executive of main sponsor Live 95FM said: “We are delighted to be involved with this year’s Springfest and it emphasises our ongoing commitment to supporting all efforts to showcase Limerick for the great city that it truly is.
“This festival is the second largest St Patrick’s festival outside of Dublin and its something the whole city can take a great deal of pride and satisfaction in.”
Andrew Mawhinney, Limerick Coordination Office chief executive, said more than 30,000 are expected to throng the city on St Patrick’s Day.
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