Towns big and small parade their Irish pride
The late President’s Dodge is on permanent display at the Clare County Library and was used yesterday for the first time in 13 years as it played a full part in the parade.
The Dodge was one of many attractions that attracted thousands to Ennis’s medieval streets for the first St Patrick’s Day parade in three years.
Led by Town Mayor, Mary Coote-Ryan and Clare’s Mayor, Toomy Brennan, over thirty groups, including local schools, drama groups, sporting clubs, musicians and bands participated, while crowds were also entertained by on-street acts adding to the festive atmosphere.
Wexford town witnessed its biggest parade in many years with more than 30 floats and 90 marching groups representing clubs and organisations from all over the town.
Crowds lined the streets of New Ross as marching groups and floats passed along the route, in an entertaining spectacle.
In Castlebar, Mayo, the theme of the parade, which was led by the former manager of the Irish Barcelona Boxing Team, Sean Horkan, was ‘The Wearing of the Green’. It included several marching bands and ‘Big Sam’ a vintage steamroller which has been restored by Mayo County Council workmen. Mayo’s only off-shore parade took place on Clare Island, yesterday when dozens of locals turned out to join in the festivities.
St Patrick’s Day activities in Co Donegal attracted huge numbers to the numerous parades throughout the county but were overshadowed by the sudden death of a US participant in one area.
Letterkenny hosted the biggest parade but large crowds and many floats also took part in the parade in Buncranna that was celebrating its 21st year.
In Gweedore locals were witnessing their first ever St Patrick’s Day parade from Bunbeg to Derrybeg, while in Dungloe and Falcarragh the cold weather failed to keep the crowds at home. Other parades in Ballyshannon, Dunfanaghy and a children’s activity day in Burtonport all kept the tradition alive.
Festivities were marred at the annual parade at Mullaghduff near Kincasslagh following the sudden death of one of 32 American tour operators who were joining in the fun.
The 55-year-old man, who was not named last night, had just attended Mass in St Mary’s Church, Kincasslagh and returned to the nearby Viking House Hotel when he died suddenly. The group were staying at the An Chuirt Hotel in Gweedore but decided to attend Mass near to their parade starting area.
St Patrick’s Day was celebrated with parades across Northern Ireland.
Three parades converged in Belfast city centre at a free open air concert compered by ex-Boyzone star Keith Duffy.
Last night, a concert at the Waterfront Hall featured a host of stars including Clannad’s singer Moya Brennan and the Ulster Orchestra.
The largest cross-community carnival was held in Downpatrick. Up to 1,500 people took part in the parade featuring dancers, steel and pipe bands.
Traditional ceili bands were performing at venues across Derry as the city celebrated with its largest parade in 10 years.
Over 20,000 attended the Enniskillen parade in which St Patrick was celebrated as “a saint for all“.
Flags and emblems were banned from the parade which featured floats, bands and tribal dancers.
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