Shannon to sizzle with country’s biggest barbecue

AS temperatures soared yesterday Limerick unveiled its forthcoming Riverfest during which the country’s biggest barbecue will sizzle over two days.

The international barbecue cook-off takes place on May 5 and 6.

On the first day teams from 80 countries will show off their skills over the charcoals.

And on the second day, national and international gourmet restaurants will have an opportunity to compete in a silver service day.

As its name suggests, Riverfest events will take place by the Shannon and on it.

Over the two days an estimated 40,000 people will queue up to sample the wide variety of cuisines from around the world.

All 80 barbecue cook-off teams will be supplied with lamb, chicken and salmon, but will have to bring herbs, spices and sauces native to the countries they represent.

And young people with a sea faring inclination will be able to enter a competition which will offer a week on the tall ship Asgard 1l.

The winner will join the crew and have the opportunity to learn about life on the high seas and gain skills for tall ship sailing.

Launching Riverfest, Mayor Joe Leddin said: “Riverfest is a wonderful opportunity for Limerick people to invite friends and relatives to come here for a holiday weekend and sample the best of the city’s life.”

Andrew Mawhinney of the Limerick co-ordination office said the Shannon would be the focus of the weekend and this year marks another big development in the festival.

The University of Limerick kayak centre will host more than 250 visitors who will compete in the blazing paddles marathon from Plassey to Matthew Bridge.