Nasa astronaut to lead city’s ‘Cosmic Chaos’
The event is expected to be out of this world, with specially commissioned pieces from Spraoi Waterford, Dowtcha Puppets, Cork Circus, Puca Puppets and a host of community, ethnic and sporting groups.
Led by Nasa astronaut Dan Tani — who has become Ireland’s adopted astronaut following his marriage to a Cork woman — as grand marshall, the parade commences at 1pm, and from South Mall will march to Grand Parade, Patrick Street and Merchants Quay before disassembling in Parnell Place.
Celebrating the UN International Year of Astronomy, Mr Tani will be at Blackrock Castle Observatory to assist sky-gazers in a star count today.
The festival follows a series of celestial celebrations over the weekend.
In Waterford, tens of thousands gathered on the banks of the River Suir for Skyfest, which featured the National Lottery Skyfest fireworks display.
In Limerick, up to 30,000 thronged the city centre on Saturday to view the international bands parade which drew hundreds of musicians from across the globe.
For one music maker it was a poignant occasion.
Aidan Hurley, from Corbally, who turns 70 next week, was taking part in his last march past the huge parade crowds with the St Mary’s Prize Fife and Drum Band which was founded in Limerick in 1885.
“I took part in my first parade in Limerick when I was 10, playing the B flat flute,” he said.
“The band will be taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade on Tuesday, but I won’t be with them as it is too long for me now. But I’ll still be involved in the band as I am the vice chairman.”
Meanwhile, organisers expect ‘The Sky’s the Limit’ St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin will attract more than 500,000.
It begins at noon in the city centre on Parnell Square North tomorrow.
Belfast is promising a colourful carnival atmosphere with the theme ‘Legends, Myths and Stories’. It will leave City Hall at noon.
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