‘David vs Goliath' as Limerick takes on mammoth Manchester for EuroPride 2028 bid
The event, which has previously taken place in cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Lisbon, could bring over 100,000 visitors and inject more than €2.5 million into the local economy.
'I move that this district work with Limerick LGBTQ Pride, The Outing Festival, and Queer Clare to provide support in their bid to bring EuroPride 2028 to the west of Ireland,' Cllr Hickey-O'Mara told the chamber.
'If successful, the bid will be as big as Limerick City of Culture, and as big, if not bigger, than the Ryder Cup.'
Cllr Hickey-O'Mara urged immediate action from the council, to ensure the festival goes to Limerick and not Manchester.
"This is David V Goliath', he said. He urged the council to fly Progress Pride flags, provide logistical and financial support for the bid, repaint rainbow crossings, and welcome EuroPride adjudicators during Limerick Pride Week next month.
The motion brought was one of bravery by the Social Democrats councillor: 'As the only openly LGBT councillor on Limerick Council, I feel really compelled to speak about this and to tell you that things are far from fine.'
'Across the world, our community is seeing their rights being systematically rolled back. Politicians are backing away from our community, as are companies who formerly supported pride events.
'Nowhere is this more apparent than with the global targeting of the trans community, which, let's call a spade a spade, is simply regurgitated homophobia,' he stated.
He shared distressing local testimonies of harassment and discrimination. 'One person who works for Limerick Council even contacted me to say that they aren't out at work due to witnessing colleagues use homophobic language in the workplace,' he revealed.
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He called on his colleagues to 'educate yourself,' engage with LGBTQIA+ organisations, and 'challenge hate and disinformation, whenever and wherever you encounter it.'
Councillor Olivia O'Sullivan formally seconded the motion, saying: 'We are living in a time where there is fear and division being created in our communities.
'It's extremely important as community leaders that we set the tone,' she said. 'We need to support everyone to live safe and happy lives."
Others echoed their support. Cllr Ursula Gavan said: 'Anything that raises awareness and increases respect and tolerance has to be commended.'
Cllr Sarah Beasley noted: 'To think that a community in this day and age, 10 years after the referendum, are still struggling, it's very hurtful to see.'
In support, Cllr Maria Donoghue, suggested branding the event as the Prider Cup 'just to kind of ride on the Ryder Cup thing for the name!'
Eileen Coleman, Senior Executive Officer for Tourism, said: 'We are happy to support the bid and have already met with the organisers.'
She confirmed the council would 'take on board all the proposals mentioned' and provide an update at the next meeting.
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