Don't you use the word in expressions like "ihr liewe Leit" (we usually use it as an expression of astonishment, seldomly to address a group of people) or "es lieb Mädsche" (the /nice/lovley girl)?
"Oh blessed people!"
the irony might come from slightly religious but unfolksy substitution "blessed". Or simply (but verging on sarcasm) "Lovely!"
Otherwise, I hope you won't mind me declaring palatinates to be the long-lost tribe of Stoics across the mountains :)