Catholic and Church of Ireland church bells rang out in unison in 10 Limerick churches at 20.20 (8.20pm) last night as part of the Diocese of Limerick’s contribution to the city’s bid to be the European Capital of Culture in 2020.
For 30 years the European Union has designated one or more cities as a European Capital of Culture. What that means is that for one calendar year, the awarded city and/or a region organises a series of cultural events with a strong European dimension, promoting cultural diversity and shared European Heritage. Ireland is eligible to host the European Capital of Culture in the year 2020.
The European Capital of Culture initiative is one of the most prestigious and visible European cultural awards in the EU, and is awarded on the strength of an exceptional programme of local and European events proposed for the city/region. It’s also awarded on the strength of co-operation shown locally in the field of culture that helps promote lasting relationships within our European family.
Bishop Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick said he was delighted to have arranged the ringing of bells across nine city centre churches in tandem with the bell ringing at Saint Mary’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, to welcome the 2020 European Capital of Culture jurors to Limerick. He said, “the diocese wishes the Limerick Bid Team and the local authority well this week and salutes them for helping to give Limerick the incredible voice that it now amplifies proudly across Ireland and beyond”.
Watch a video of the bell ringers in Limerick.
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