Local TD Conor Sheehan has been the latest of many Irish public figures to welcome in the announcement of EuroPride 2028, which is due to be held in Limerick and Clare.
Currently a Teachta Dála (TD), Sheehan was previously a Councillor for Limerick City. In a statement issued this week, he said:
“As the only LGBTQI+ Oireachtas member in Limerick, I welcome the successful bid from Limerick Pride and Quare Clare to host Europride in Limerick and Clare.”
Given this is the first time EuroPride has ever been held in Ireland, Sheehan stressed that this was a significant milestone for the country.
“This will be an enormous cultural and economic boost to the Midwest region and I was delighted to support the application. It will be a major event for the Midwest showcasing our potential and capacity to host large public events and also how far we have come as a region and country.”
The event, which was held in Lisbon this year, has a reach far beyond Europe, regularly drawing crowds of 100,000 people and more. EuroPride was first held in London in 1992, a full year before homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland. In a country that is often Dublin-centric, Sheehan emphasised that the decision to hold the festival in Limerick is hugely beneficial towards raising the profile of the Midwest region.
“Limerick is a thriving multicultural city with a growing population. To host an event of the scale and magnitude of Europride will be transformative to the Midwest and will open up our entire region to a different kind of tourism. Limerick and Clare are wonderful places and hosting Europride will allow us to extend our Céad Míle Fáilte to thousands of new tourists and showcase the best of what we have to offer.”
Limerick LGBTQ+ Pride took to Facebook to share their excitement saying: “WE DID IT!!! We are beyond thrilled that we’ve won the bid to host EuroPride 2028 in Ireland! History has been made.
“A massive congratulations to the entire team who worked tirelessly to bring this bid home. Your dedication, passion, and hard work have paid off, and we’re honoured to have you all on board!
“We won with an impressive 70% vote – WOW! The support has been incredible, and we’re grateful for the trust and confidence placed in us from all delegates who voted for us.
“This journey wasn’t just about winning a bid; it was about building connections, fostering new friendships, and strengthening bonds within our Pride family around Europe. We’ve made some amazing friends around Europe, and we can’t wait to welcome them all to Ireland in 2028!”