Emergency operation sinks naval vessel's planned visit to Limerick for Riverfest

LIMERICK'S plans to include a tour of "one of Ireland's impressive naval vessels" over the Riverfest weekend have been sunk.

It has been confirmed that the vessel, which was due to be at the Limerick Docks this Saturday and Sunday was diverted to an emergency operation and will no longer be an activity option for this weekend's Riverfest.

The Irish Naval Service stated, "The Naval Vessel due to attend Riverfest has been tasked with dealing with an emergency operational issue off the West Coast of Ireland and is unable to attend Riverfest."

An event which always draws a crowd, Festivals and Events Officer at Limerick City and County Council, Eugene Crimmins said: "It is unfortunate that we are losing the naval vessel from our list of attractions so close to the Riverfest weekend but it is out of our control and we completely understand the need for the Irish Naval Service to respond to the emergency situation off the Irish Coast.

He added, "it won’t stop us from having an amazing festival weekend with so much still on offer for young and old to enjoy."

In its 19th year, Riverfest are offering a wide range of other events to the public this bank holiday weekend, including, vintage amusements, live entertainment and good food across the weekend.

Not to be missed, at the Markets Field on Friday night Treaty United take on Kerry FC, Limerick are in action against old rivals Clare in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship on Saturday night, and the courtyard at King John’s Castle is preparing for an "invasion" of music fans attending a sold out Hermitage Green concert on Sunday night.