Garda: Later parades would curb street violence

Saint Patrick's Day parades could be moved to the evening, instead of the early afternoon, to avoid the violence that followed this year's events.

Gardaí say an early start to the festivities gave people extended drinking opportunities and led to the violent incidents around the country.

Parades begin early because, traditionally, they were held after Mass.

But organisers say this is no longer important and are pushing to move the parades to later in the day.