Day of celebration around the globe

THE Irish have always been a nation of emigrants, but if there is one day of the year when our global popularity reaches a new crescendo, it’s St Patrick’s Day.

Millions of people from the Caribbean to Asia took part in parades. There were parties in New York, Sydney, Singapore and other international cities, while celebrations were held early in London, with 4,000 people marching in the city last Sunday.

In the US, many of the 34 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry took part in, or cheered-on, high-profile parades. This year’s New York parade was dedicated to the Fighting 69th, the 69th New York National Guard, a portion of whom have just returned from active service in Iraq.

James Cummins, who emigrated from Offaly 30 years ago, was part of the Seattle event.

“I don’t know how much of the group are Irish, but everybody’s Irish on this particular day. It’s a wonderful event,” he said.

The Seattle parade was attended by Marine and Natural Resources Minister, Noel Dempsey, who is one of 28 Irish ministers attending events in 35 cities.

The traditional White House ceremony was also attended by the Taoiseach and leaders of the North’s political parties, including Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams.

The Irish Navy were in Brazil where they held a party for dozens of street children aboard the LÉ Ethine, while Tourism Ireland was capitalising on the global interest in all things Irish by launching a €50 million promotion around the world aimed at boosting visitor numbers to 8.5 million this year.

They are also linking up for the first time with Disneyland in Paris where Mickey Mouse yesterday celebrated Irish-style.