In Pictures: Cheers, claps and laughter in Askeaton for St Patrick's Day

RAIN opened from the heavens above but that did little to dampen the spirits of the Askeaton community ahead of their St Patrick's Day Parade.

A smaller parade compared to the likes of Limerick city and Rathkeale but just as lively.

Locals lined the streets from St Mary's Church carpark all the way up the town and cheers, claps and laughter rang out throughout the town.

Upon driving into the town, traditional Irish music could be heard booming from the speakers which were set up for the "day that's in it" as one local said.

Askeaton #StPatricksDay2023 parade is off to a lively start.

Go to https://t.co/wwxzcdJDXy for more coverage.
@Limerick_Leader pic.twitter.com/JK7OdbOwvq

— Cathal Doherty (@catdoh98) March 17, 2023

A pack of dogs march down the Main Street in Askeaton with their owners/trainers@Limerick_Leader pic.twitter.com/rqSYa7MEsC

— Cathal Doherty (@catdoh98) March 17, 2023

Sports teams, musicians, tractors and even a little girl on a toy horse rocked the crowd with a cultural display.

The Hit Machine Drummers put on a rhythmic, booming performance as they marched down the Main Street of Askeaton.

A pack of hunting dogs brought joy to a group of children whose eyes lit up as they witnessed the over ten dogs marching down the street with their owners.

The parade was led by none other than St Patrick himself as is tradition in many parades across the country.

Also a staple feature in many parades across the country, Askeaton also featured a number of vintage cars dating back to the 1980s.

Askeaton was one of 11 parades to take place across Limerick city and county. Other parades included Limerick city which saw approximately 50,000 people line the streets to enjoy the St Patrick's Day festivities.