50,000 people descend on Limerick city for St Patrick's Day parade
AN estimated 50,000 people lined the streets of Limerick city this afternoon to celebrate St Patrick's Day.
The sun broke through the clouds to provide a couple of hours of fine weather, as the crowds turned out en-masse along the 1.6km route through the city centre.
And 1,500 people took part in the spectacle, making it one of the biggest in the country.
This year's grand marshal was none other than Jon Kenny, fresh from appearing in the Oscar nominated movie The Banshees of Inisherin.
He said: "I'm honoured to be here today."
"It's nice to be asked, it's a privlige," he added.
Asked about his own memories of St Patrick's Day, the Hospital born actor said: "Back then, you didn't come into town much. Getting to town was a big deal. Coing into town for a St Patrick's Day parade was like going half way around the world. It was huge coming into town for St Patrick's Day!"
As is traditional, the Boherbuoy Band kicked off the a carnival of colour, music and spectacle celebrating this year’s theme of Discovering Limerick.
The parade featured entries from University of Limerick, marking its 50th anniversary, Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, Shannon RFC as well as a colourful display from Lumen Street Theatre.
The fun continues through the weekend, with the International Band Championship taking place on Sunday and a number of other activities also taking place.