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PHOTOS – Limerick celebrates Africa Day 2018 with free family-friendly events 

John Loftus, Limerick City and County Council, Sylvanie Nono, Jules Djiopang, Africa Day Organiser, David Idioh, Musician, Limerick City and County Mayor Stephen Keary, John Nutekpor, Seamus Brown, Limerick City and County Council and Kieran O’Hanlon from Limerick City and County Council, at the 13th Annual Africa Day 2018 Launch at Limerick City and County Council, Monday, May 21, 2018. Picture: Sophie Goodwin/ilovelimerick.

PHOTOS – Limerick celebrates Africa Day 2018 with free family-friendly events 

by ilovelimerick Correspondent Ryan O’Connell

Limerick’s strong and vibrant African community will be celebrating their rich and varied culture and heritage when the Africa Day events begin this week (from Monday 21 May 2018).

The week-long Irish Aid supported programme, delivered through Limerick City and County Council and Doras Luimní is a celebration of the wonderful fusion of African cultures that have merged into and become an integral part of Limerick.


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Celebrating its 13th anniversary and organisers are inviting all Limerick residents to join in the week-long party as it celebrates Limerick rich diversity while giving voice to new and welcoming Limerick.

Events will take place throughout the week, kicking off yesterday Monday, May 21, with the official Africa Day 2018 by Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Stephen Keary at Council Headquarters in Merchant’s Quay.


Welcoming Africa Day 2018, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Stephen Keary said: “The African community plays an important part in the fabric of Limerick life.  I look forward to welcoming people from all different backgrounds to join us in Limerick for the celebrations for Africa Day 2018 and I would like to encourage everyone in Limerick to participate in the many events, particularly the Family Fun Day.”

“The activities that are taking place this year will no doubt help to promote a positive image of Africa and highlight the Irish Aid programme that is taking place. I wish everyone involved a successful and entertaining week.”

The programme is funded by Irish Aid under its Africa Day programme and coordinated in Limerick by a group of African community members who have drawn up a varied and exciting series of events, with the support of Limerick City and County Council and Doras Luimní.

 Other events include presentations in schools on African Culture & Heritage on Tuesday, May 22, A ‘Taste of Africa’ on Wednesday, May 23 in Central Buildings, African Culture & Heritage Drumming Workshop in Ormiston House on Thursday, May 24, and an African Football Cup Tournament at Delta Sports Dome, Ballysimon on Saturday, May 26.

To finish off the celebrations, there will be a Family Fun Day on Sunday, May 27, at the Milk Market from 1 pm – 6 pm. This free family fun event will see members of the public getting the opportunity to savour African cuisine, entertainment with African Drumming, Elikya, Limerick Gospel Choir, comedy from Fabu D and much more.

 Africa Day is an initiative of the African Union, which celebrates African diversity and success and the cultural and economic potential of the continent. 

Admission to all Africa Day 2018 events is free of charge.

For more on Africa Day 2018, go here.

For more stories on Africa Day, go here.

Pictures by Sophie Goodwin/ilovelimerick 2018.

Pictures by Zoe Conway/ilovelimerick 2018.

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.