Parade puts emphasis on community rather than commercial floats

THE decision to delay Kilkenny’s St Patrick’s Day Parade until 4.30pm, after the Cheltenham Gold Cup and other parades across the south-east, proved a regrettable one weather-wise yesterday.

While the atmosphere was better than ever and the parade a huge hit, the temperatures dipped even further and bitterly cold rain misted down, making it hard to stand in any one spot for long.

But it didn’t dampen the spirits as festival revellers, among them Americans, French and Polish families, lined the winding parade route, anxious to snap up all of the best vantage points.

It was one of the biggest, brightest and most colourful, parades ever and a real treat for those who braved the elements.

Up until four weeks ago, it looked as if the Marble City might not have a parade as organisers were difficult to come by.

But Tom Duffy, who runs a local music company, stepped into the role, with the help of the Borough Council and the backing of the local Vintners Federation.

While St Patrick may have banished the snakes, he missed at least one or two, as 30ft snakes made their way along the narrow city streets, flagged by massive puppets from Wexford’s Buí Bolg. The focus was on the community, rather than commercial floats, the chief organiser explained.

“The late start was to allow groups taking part in parades around the county time to arrive into the city,” he said.