After weeks of furore surrounding the Christmas in Limerick saga, Limerick needed this!

LAST Saturday night, Limerick inhaled a deep breath of fresh festive air.

After weeks of furore surrounding the Christmas in Limerick saga, the city needed something - anything- to remind us of our own capacity to do things well. The Light Up Limerick Procession did exactly that.

A giant wooden Rudolf, enormous glowing stars, whimsical Christmas carriages, children dressed as fairies, and even Santa himself pedalling along on a bike transformed the familiar route from the Crescent to the Potato Market into a corridor of magic.

Thousands lined the streets, soaking in the spectacle with wide-eyed wonder. For a brief moment, it felt as though Limerick had stepped into Magic Kingdom park. 

SEE ALSO: PICTURES: Streets thronged for Light Up Limerick Procession to herald start of Christmas season

The atmosphere could not have been more different from the tension and turmoil dominating recent debates in and around the council chamber. Where the Christmas in Limerick controversy brought frustration and division, Saturday brought community and colour. It was a timely reminder of what the city can achieve when things are done right - when planning, creativity and civic pride come together rather than clash.

No, the procession will not change the world, or erase the very real challenges facing us, including what could be a difficult Christmas trading season for city businesses, but it does give us something positive to hold onto. And in a year where good news has sometimes felt in short supply, every positive move counts.

Add to that the recent announcements of Michael Bublé and Kings of Leon bringing major concerts to Thomond Park next summer, and suddenly the horizon looks a little brighter. Limerick has its shortcomings - no one is pretending otherwise -  but it also has great spirit, potential and the ability to shine bright when the stars align. Saturday night proved that.