VIDEO: Cork LGBT Pride festival finishes spectacularly with parade of thousands

The result of the marriage referendum has had an enormous impact on the sense of security in the LGBT community, former Government Minister, Kathleen Lynch, claimed yesterday as she attended the 11th Cork LGBT Pride parade on the Grand Parade, Cork.

Ms Lynch said she remembers early Pride parades which were attended by just 30 to 40 people.

Members of the public often stared at the group and the parades were subdued affairs, whereas now thousands take part in a joyous celebration of acceptance and tolerance. The former Labour Party TD said the parades are really about a newfound sense of confidence.