Limerick man Michael is the toast of Nottingham's St Patrick's festival

A BALLYLANDERS man flew the Treaty flag on the River Trent, as he was grand marshal in Nottingham’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Michael Dawson, 84, who was born in Croom and raised in the south Limerick village, admitted it was a “shock” to be asked to lead the way at the festival in England’s East Midlands.

“I never expected anything like this. But I really enjoyed it. It’s the beauty of meeting people, all the Irish people there especially,” he said.

READ MORE: 'Absolutely wrecked' - Burglars target Clare shop less than 24 hours after grand opening

Michael left Ballylanders at the age of 22, but not before helping Garryspillane to a county hurling title.

He also played Gaelic football for Ballylanders.

Prior to moving to Nottingham, he worked hauling cattle around Ireland.

Michael trod a well-worn path when he came to England in 1965, working on building sites as a steel fixer.

He followed his brother onto the buses, working as a driver for Nottingham City Transport, a role he remained in for 32 years.

He returns to Ballylanders every few years.

Each year, Nottingham teams up with a different Irish county for its St Patrick’s festival.

This year represented Limerick’s turn.