Rainbow of colour as Cork shows its gay pride

Sunshine, stewards in high-vis pink, Diana Ross belting out about coming out — some confused tourists could be forgiven for wondering if they were in Cork or South Beach, Florida, as thousands took to the streets yesterday to celebrate being gay.

Heading up the loud and proud carnival was Lord Mayor Catherine Clancy, perched on the back of an open-top silver Mercedes, flanked by the trademark rainbow colours of the gay community.

Thousands followed behind, many walking, others packed in an open-top double-decker bus normally used for sightseeing tours.