Irish rugby international Peter "The Claw" Clohessy took on a new starring role as Grand Marshall of the Limerick St Patrick's Day Parade.
No stranger to crowds, he took the role in his stride and got a tremendous ovation from approximately 25,000 spectators as he was introduced by radio personality Mr Michael McNamara.
The parade started off from Sarsfield Barracks and the rain managed to stay away except for a drizzle towards the end of the hour-long march through the city's main thoroughfare.
Councillor Maria Byrne, deputising for the Mayor, Cllr Dick Sadlier, who was in New York, took the review and Deputy Eddie Wade represented Limerick County Council.
Civic and religious figures were on the reviewing stand including the Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe, Most Rev Michael Moyes. The Bishop of Limerick, Dr Donal Murray, was in Rome.
Politicians included Minister of State Mr Willie O'Dea, Mr Michael Noonan, the leader of Fine Gael, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, Mr John Cushnahan MEP, and Senator Mary Jackman.
Also present on the reviewing stand was Chief Supt Gerry Kelly, head of the Limerick Garda Division, Lieut Colonel Tony Daly, OC Sarsfield Barracks, and Lieut Col Sean Scanlon, OC 1st Southern Brigade FCA.
The colourful parade was headed by the Army, FCA and Slua Muire, and followed by floats from the business and industrial sectors, voluntary organisations and community groups.
There was also a US presence including the US Air Forces in Europe Band, who gave a concert last night in the University of Limerick Concert Hall along with the Band of the 1st Southern Brigade, Cork, who joined forces to raise funds for local charities.
The Limerick City Brass and Reed Band, under the direction of Mr Sammy Benson, got a warm ovation. Its headquarters was recently vandalised and burned with instruments destroyed.
The overall float award was won by the Moyross Combined Youth Group.
Today the Limerick International Band Festival organised by Shannon Development and sponsored by the Limerick Leader, takes place for the 32nd year with bands from the US, UK and Ireland taking part.