Dragons and a three-legged dog add to a magical event

WATERFORD city’s St Patrick’s Day was always going to be a magical occasion.

With world-renowned magician and local man Keith Barry as honorary Grand Marshal for the day, it was an extra special day.

The hour-long parade featuring everything from fierce dragons to a three-legged dog, began promptly at 1pm, much to the delight of the assembled masses who were frozen to the spot on a dry, but bitterly cold day.

Among the colourful characters was Janet Hepburn, a native of London who moved to Ferrybank in Waterford with her husband 15 years ago.

“I love dressing up for St Patrick’s Day. I’m in green from head to toe, bar my bra,” she said. “I couldn’t get a green one. I even have green knickers on. I’ve my coat and trousers, my flashing green earrings and flashing hat. Even my baton plays Irish music.”

Theatre group Spraoi were among the most colourful entries. Bausch and Lomb’s sponsored Waterford Group Link won the large company category; the small business award went to Purcell Properties and Waterford Youth Arts and the best community entry was the Ferrybank group.