St Patrick’s Day parade details announced

“We’re asking everyone to banish the blues, go green or red to join the Red Army and come out and support the Limerick parade”

Former pop star, turned children's television presenter Emma O'Driscoll will lead the 2009 Limerick St. Patrick’s Day parade it has been announced.

Mayor John Gilligan made the announcement that the 26 year old TV presenter would lead the parade at the official launch of the 2009 Limerick St Patrick’s Festival at City Hall this morning.

Details of the entire festival were also announced and organisers say it is set to be the largest parade in the country outside of Dublin.

Organisers announced the following details of the parade this morning,

•A number of unique “Green Themed” Entries including Love Limerick, Don’t Litter, Clean Ireland, Recycling floats and giant litterbugs

•A special section for Limerick’s proud Green Schools

•The addition of a new Junior Marshal who will be driven along the parade route in a 1970 Munster red MGB roadster just like secret agent James Bond

•A special Celebration of Limerick Rugby Section where young fans and their parents will don their Munster colours and represent the Red Army in the parade

•Limerick Military Parade led by the 12th Infantry Battalion from Sarsfield Barracks down the traditional route of O’Connell Street past the Reviewing Stand to Merchant’s Quay

•Limerick’s talented skateboarders from the city’s new Skatepark will perform for spectators

•The GAA will celebrate its 125th Anniversary with a special “Aussie” themed entry looking forward to the hosting of the Ireland v Australia International Rules Test at the Gaelic Grounds in the Autumn

•Special new features and effects

Speaking at the launch, John Gilligan told the media,

“I’m delighted to launch this year’s festival and with so many groups taking part, it promises to cheer us all up. This is an opportunity for a great family day out with lots of colour, music and fun and despite all the doom and gloom, I urge everyone to come out and enjoy themselves.”

The Limerick St Patrick’s Festival starts this Sunday, March 15th with the annual International Band Parade beginning at midday.

The St. Patrick’s Day parade itself on the 17th is reported to feature the Irish Chamber Orchestra from the University of Limerick among the many other floats and bands.

The theme of the parade is ‘Go Green’ and could attract almost 40,000 people.