ROCK star Dolores O'Riordan popped the cork on a night of dazzling celebrations in her native Limerick City to kick-start its honorary role as Ireland's first ever National City of Culture.
The Cranberries star received a realMunster roar as she performed a gig in front of 2,500 lucky revellers in front of St Mary's Cathedral, built in 1168 on the banks of the River Shannon where the Vikings once landed.
The New Year's Eve night sky was set on fire with a fireworks extravaganza, and a movie written by local actor and playwright Mike Finn was beamed out across the facades of buildings along the banks of the River Shannon.
Irish rockers The Coronas, Derry star SOAK and local talent Leading Armies, warmed the spirits of the thousands who braved a cold and wet New Year's Eve night.
It's hoped the celebrations will set the tone for the next 365 days which Finance Minister and Limerick TDMichael Noonan said would leave a lasting positive legacy for the city.
Earlier in the evening, around 50 performers from Music Generation Limerick emerged on to a makeshift platform at Arthur's Quay Park overlooking the raging River Shannon, to perform the City of Culture song.
The song, a mash-up of two classic hits, Bob Marley's 'Everything Is Gonna Be Alright', and 'Let It Be' byThe Beatles sounded into the heavens to herald the city's cultural year.
The streets were illuminated like a fairyland with hundreds of Chinese lanterns, glowing floats, and fairy lights.
The historic bells of St Mary's Cathedral were rung at midnight, marking the New Year, and announcing Limerick's new role as City of Culture 2014.
Meanwhile, thousands gathered in the capital for a dizzying fireworks show, a parade of lanterns, and a star-studded concert to welcome the New Year last night. Dublin's streets were illuminated yesterday afternoon as hundreds of dancers and street performers thrilled the crowds during the People's Procession of Light to mark the closing of The Gathering 2013.
SOURCE-Irish Independent
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