Big chill not expected to dampen St Patrick's Day festivities

It is hoped predicted Beast from the East-style low temperatures won’t have a detrimental impact on the St Patrick’s Day parades which get under way around the country tomorrow.

Celebrating the theme of Democracy For All — 100 Years of the Vote for Women, the Cork City parade will be a carnival of colour, music, pageantry, and comic fun. It starts at 1pm and will involve 50 community groups.

Around 3,000 people will participate in the parade with up to 50,00 spectators expected to turn out.