60,000 attend Cork St Patrick's Day parade

Some 60,000 people from all over the globe thronged the streets of Cork today for what was billed as Ireland’s largest community based parade.

Led by the current All-Ireland football champions, and with special guest Sam McGuire, the parade brought over 2,000 participants together under the theme of ‘Happiness’.

Cork’s sporting heritage was also celebrated with GAA clubs, Cork City FC supporters, basketballers and even the new Rebel Rollers roller derby team skating through the streets of Cork.

The Cork parade featured an array of colour and talent and the winner of this year’s Best Overall Entry award was The Cork Polish Association.

"The parade today was a fantastic example of the creativity, energy and engagement of the wider Cork community and we’re all looking forward to the next three days of festivities," said Valerie O’Sullivan of Cork City Council.