THERE WILL be a strong rugby theme to Limerick’s Riverfest 2009 event, which takes place over the May bank holiday weekend.
As the city yesterday celebrated the announcement of Paul O’Connell as captain of the British and Irish Lions, organisers of Limerick’s four-day festival revealed that a large outdoor screen will be erected in the city for the Heineken Cup semi-final between Munster and Leinster on May 2nd.
A Mass will also be celebrated at the Augustinian Church in Limerick at 10.15am on the morning of the big game to pray for the Munster team.
Speaking at the launch of Riverfest 2009, organiser Fran O’Donnell promised a great weekend for Limerick.
“Obviously the city will be in a Munster frenzy ahead of the big match so we’re hoping to add to the excitement with a large outdoor screen and live music and wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could be celebrating another appearance in the Heineken Cup final with a céilí mór and our spectacular fireworks display on Sunday night,” he added.
One of the highlights of Riverfest 2009 will be a continental market on George’s Quay featuring foods from Spain, the Netherlands, the UK and Germany along with home-grown produce. “The markets this year, featuring continental traders, local traders and the Slow Food enthusiasts, will be the biggest ever put on in Limerick city,” said Mr O’Donnell.
RTÉ’s Lyric FM, based in Limerick, will celebrate its 10th anniversary during Riverfest with a special concert at the University Concert Hall on Sunday, May 3rd, featuring guest soloists Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway together with the RTÉ NSO.
Mick Flannery will take to the stage in Dolan’s Warehouse on Friday, May 1st, and world-renowned guitarist Pierre Bensusan plays the Warehouse on Sunday, May 3rd.
Contact Studios, Limerick Ceramic Works and Limerick Printmakers Studios and Gallery will also come together to welcome the public into their spaces throughout the festivities.
At the Hunt Museum, Peter Steedman will exhibit a new collection of limited-edition photographs in the Ducartes Restaurant. Some of Ireland’s top hip-hop dancers will also be in Limerick on the Saturday and Sunday, and there will be art and music events across the city.
A puc fada celebrating 125 years of the GAA will take place along with a fishing competition and a tug of war.
Speaking yesterday the Mayor of Limerick Cllr John Gilligan congratulated Limerick rugby player Paul O’Connell on his selection as Lions captain.
“I’m absolutely delighted that Paul O’Connell has been given this huge honour. He’s been exemplary for Munster and Ireland and I have no doubt he will be an inspirational captain for the Lions,” said Mr Gilligan.
“I’m delighted that a Limerick man has been awarded such an honour. We look forward to him coming back from South Africa as one of the most successful Lions players ever,” he added.
The mayor also congratulated Limerick players Keith Earls, David Wallace an Jerry Flannery who were also selected for the Lions squad.
Full details on Riverfest are at www.festivalslimerick.com or www.limerickcoordination.ie