St Patrick’s Day: Actor in role of a lifetime at head of cast of thousands in Limerick
And among the 80,000-strong crowd was his proud mother, Bridie Breen, aged 95.
Myles said: “My earliest recollection of St Patrick’s Day was working with my mum and dad in the family pub in Shannon St which still bears the family name. It’s great that she is here today to see me being honoured by leading the parade.”
Myles has just returned from New York, where he won a leading actor award for his one-man play, Language Unbecoming a Lady.
Following tradition, the Boherbuoy Band, which dates back to 1850, led the 77 bands, sports clubs, and community groups down O’Connell St.
They were followed by the younger St Mary’s Prize fife and drum band, which dates back to 1885.
Adding to the vintage aspect of the parade was a 1952 Dennis Fire Appliance driven by Limerick fire service sub officer Charlie Cavanagh.
Charlie said: “She is in great condition and has a V8 Rolls Royce engine. This appliance was one of five originally ordered by the Indian government, but when they couldn’t come up with the money. The Dennis company in the UK sold them to the Irish government and one was sent to Limerick.”
Double act Jedward got a huge welcome as they travelled in a 1950s Rolls Royce Regent, driven by Mike Prenderville of Diamond Limousines.
Also among his passengers was Jym Daly from Cobh, Co Cork, who made a spectacular exit from the parade.
As part of the Fidget Feet act, Jym was hoisted more than 30m over the crowds by a crane in an inverted bungy act.
Jym, dressed as St Patrick, said: “The only thing I have to be careful about is the St Patrick’s tunic, which we have hired for the day from the Abbey Theatre.”
Among the many voluntary groups were the 15 members of the Limerick Land Search Team.
Team leader Matt Franklin said: “Since we were founded in 2013 we have taken part in searches in forests and open countryside all over the country for people who have gone missing.
“We got a great reception from the crowd and it’s great recognition for the voluntary work we do in all kinds of weather.
“We assist the Limerick Marine Search and Rescue by doing searches along the banks of the Shannon when they are out searching on the river.”
As the parade drew to a close, Myles remarked: “I gave the performance of a lifetime without learning a line.”
