A sales pitch of "hats, flags, whistles, and bow-ties" blared out from the hawkers in front of Bishop Lucey Park.

Irish attitudes to towards our lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender sons or daughters, brothers or sisters, friends, uncles or aunts and other relatives and neighbours have changed dramatically, and very much for the better, since homosexuality was decriminalised in 1993, the year those celebrating their 21st birthday this year were born.

A Fine Gael minister has backed the idea of a referendum next year on extending marriage rights to same sex couples.

Sunshine, stewards in high-vis pink, Diana Ross belting out about coming out — some confused tourists could be forgiven for wondering if they were in Cork or South Beach, Florida, as thousands took to the streets yesterday to celebrate being gay.