Every Saturday morning for 20 years or more Cllr Joe Harrington has been selling flowers and shrubs at Limerick's popular Milk Market. Not forgetting his native Kerry, he also sells homemade tapes including Echoes of Lyrecrompane.
Today would have been a normal day at the market where Joe takes up his stand at one of the entrances. Instead, as Mayor Harrington, he will be conferring the Freedom of the City on the President of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton.
"It only happens once in a lifetime and I can forsake the market for one day," said the mayor, who during the week was set to snub tradition by not wearing the mayoral robes for the occasion. The fact that the eyes of the world would be on him did not seem to sway the Independent Socialist.
"A lot of my supporters feel I shouldn't. These robes are too connected to Victorian times and we should have robes designed representing the City of Limerick."
Then he reflected: "I will wear the robes for sponsorship for a charity. If they want the robes, they will have to pay."
The presidential visit to the Treaty City, which is undergoing a multi-million pound urban renewal programme, is seen as a major coup by commercial, industrial and tourism interests who envisage a financial spin-off not just for the Shannon region's economy but for the economy as a whole.
"The eyes of the world will be on Ireland this weekend," declared the chief executive of Shannon Development, Paul Sheane. "Overseas and, in particular, US industry is important to the Shannon region. Almost 10,000 people are employed in over 82 US industries in the region.
"Thirty nine of these companies, employing over 2,000, are based at the Shannon free zone which was established by Shannon Development in the early 1960s. With over 1,000 accredited media focusing their attention on Ireland and the region, we will be trying to ensure that they see the region at its best."
The president of the 600-member Limerick Chamber of Commerce, Mr Pat Kearney, has called the visit "the chance of a lifetime for Limerick city to stake its claim as Ireland's meeting place".
He says: "The city has been given the ultimate accolade and endorsement by the President and no effort should be spared in following up on what is the greatest ever boost to the city's image."
The chamber's tourism strategy, which is backed by Shannon Development, recommended that Limerick should be promoted and branded as Ireland's meeting place - a tag that has now been given a vote of confidence by President Clinton, said Mr Kearney.
Meanwhile, an elaborate security operation has seen manholes in the city centre sealed and litter bins removed by the corporation. A recently opened hotel in Raheen has become the nerve centre for the American operation: the US secret service has had internal walls knocked down to set up communications and other equipment.
The President's visit is also an opportunity for Limerick to show its musical talents. A bullet-proof stage in the main thoroughfare will be the venue for composer and performer, Micheal O Suilleabhain and the Limerick-based Irish Chamber Orchestra, singer Noirin Ni Riain and Belfast singer Brian Kennedy to entertain the Clinton party.
Crowds are expected to line the route from Adare to Abbeyfeale and onwards as the motorcade makes its way to Ballybunion this afternoon for Mr Clinton's round of golf in Ballybunion.