Limerick's brand new skatepark on Steamboat Quay will play host to the All-Ireland Skate Championships and the Irish Skater of the Year Competition this weekend.

The facility, which opened less than a month ago, will see Ireland's best skateboarders descend on the city for this prestigious two-day competition on August 16 and 17. After years of frustration and campaigning for a skatepark in the city, local skateboarders are now set to hold the biggest event on the Irish skateboarding calendar in their native Limerick.

According to Andy Jolly of Tubes Skate Team, the competition will showcase the talent that Irish skateboarding has, while putting Limerick Skatepark on the map.

"Limerick Skatepark is the only park in the country that's based in the city centre. Every other park is located on the outskirts in satellite towns or whatever. I think our skatepark will become an integral part of the city. People can practice in a safe environment and get better at the sport which is what it's all about," said Andy.

In the past the Irish Skateboarder of the Year Competition has always been held in Dublin or Belfast. Limerick skateboarders are hugely optimistic that they will get a great turn out in the city this weekend and have planned a music programme featuring bands and DJs as part of the celebrations. Local acts such as Walter Mitty and the Realists, Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters, Vox Populi and Soloway will perform as part of the festivities.

"There is going to be something for everyone, whether you are a skater or you just want to come along and pass away a few hours at the weekend. The event is a credit to everyone involved," Andy enthused.

Limerick's first annual All Ireland Skate Championships takes place on Saturday August 16 from 2 till 8pm at Limerick Skatepark with the Irish Skater of the Year Competition taking place in the same location the following day, Sunday August 17.

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