Limerick: Everybody was a winner at yesterday's St Patrick's Day Parade in Limerick where thousands of people enjoyed glorious sunshine for the hugely successful event, Kathryn Hayes
For the first time, yesterday's parade was professionally choreographed by an artistic director.
Limerick actor Myles Breen was the man responsible for the job and also for devising the theme for the parade: "I'm from Limerick, past, present and future." And the good news for the 50 groups who performed at the parade was that they were all bound to win.
"We removed the competitive element from this year's parade and there were no prizes for best float because we wanted to present the parade as a unified event with each entrant or float complementing all the others," said Mr Breen.
Yesterday's parade was described by the city's mayor, Mr John Cronin, as the most colourful in years.
"I am very proud of Limerick today and this was definitely the most colourful St Patrick's Day Parade we've had in years.
"I was delighted to see the huge numbers of people who came out and enjoyed the sunshine and the magnificent festivities."
The traditional Paddy's day festivities received an extra boost this year as they became part of the city's inaugural St Patrick's Spring Fest 2003.
The seven-day event incorporated the International Band Competition, which took place on Sunday; the St Patrick's Day Parade and an International Fashion Forum, which starts today.
A hugely successful French Market was also in the city for the last three days with more than 30 French food stalls located on the banks of the Abbey River on George's Quay.
More than 5,000 people visited the market on Sunday alone leaving many stalls rather short on the final day.
One of the highlights of the St Patrick's Spring Fest will take place this Thursday night when the Jim Kemmy Young Designer of the Year Awards is held in the Southcourt Hotel.