HALF A million revellers packed the streets of Dublin as the whole world turned green yesterday.
On the day of our nation’s saint, the entire planet did their best to celebrate the Emerald Isle.
Leading the charge here at home, President Higgins and his wife Sabina hosted a St Patrick’s Day reception at Aras an Uachtarain.
Higgins said: “As we celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day, we do so in a world that is increasingly challenged by forces of division, inequality, and the flagrant degradation of our natural world that impacts the consequences of climate change on those least responsible for it.”
The president thanked all those who worked to address the “severe consequences” of Storm Eowyn.
Higgins continued: “Internationally we see borders closing to those who flee in desperation, the cruel withholding of aid from those most in need.
“Those relief efforts are experiencing in too many places the devastating consequences of a refusal to listen to the voices of the most vulnerable among us.
“We are listening, in places of influence, to a rhetoric that seeks not to unite, but to separate. An invitation to a limited and limitless version of the self is becoming the prevailing discourse.”
As his term in office comes to an end, President Higgins thanked the public for their trust over the past 14 years.
The festival brings in an estimated 100,000 visitors to the capital.
Dublin’s parade, themed Adventures (Eachtraí), featured over 4,000 street performers, parade companies and marching bands.
Half a million revellers turned the capital green to celebrate Saint Patrick.
Grand Marshal of Dublin’s parade Victoria Smurfit told RTE how the Irish are celebrated wherever we go.
She said: “Everywhere you go, people are fascinated when they realise you’re Irish and they want to get into our lateral thinking and the way we use language.
“I think we’re a very joyous lot, considering our weather. We push through.
“And I think that no matter where I go, you’re always greeted really well and with kindness and slight fascination.
LANDMARKS LIGHT UP
Photo by Getty Images
GLOBAL greenings light up landmarks worldwide to mark St Patrick’s Day.
Sites that went green yesterday included Niagara Falls, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Empire State Building in New York, left, and the CN Tower in Canada.
Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, Alice Mansergh, said: “We are delighted to see iconic landmarks lighting up in green — bringing a celebration to communities worldwide and reminding people of the warmth and welcome that awaits them in Ireland.
“St Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest drivers of interest in travel to Ireland, sparking inspiration for spring and summer trips.
“While the world goes green for one day, Ireland’s beauty is evergreen.
“We look forward to inspiring even more people to visit and experience its magic for themselves.”
“I think a lot of people around the world love the idea of having a touch of the Irish.”
Thousands of performers and bands, hailing from Ireland and across the world, entertained revellers.
Dazzling floats from The Outing Queer Arts Collective’s ‘Rainbow Pageant – Love is an Adventure’, celebrated 10 years of marriage equality in Ireland.
Participant Carlos V Garcia said: “I wanted to be somewhere where I could be a part of something important by helping others.”
FLOATS & PERFORMERS
Owners at Dublin Horses, who have been marching in the parade for 15 years, showcased a gold carriage valued at €3m.
They said: “The peace of mind knowing we have the best team of lads and horses in the world doing this unbelievably important job.
“The coach is valued at three million euro but I think the horses are worth more have a great day and up the Irish.”
The ‘Pirate Queens’float, by Spraoi, celebrated Irish women such as Grace O’Malley and Anne Bonny.
‘A PRIVILEGE’
Miss Ireland Jasmine Gerhardt said walking in the parade was an “honour” and “a privilege”.
She said: “There’s something so special about being surrounded by the heart and soul of Ireland—our music, our laughter, our people.
“Our heritage and culture are what make us who we are. It’s in our stories, our resilience, and the way we always come together, no matter where we are in the world.”
Gerhardt added: “Today is a celebration of everything that makes Ireland so special, and I’m so proud to be part of it.”
‘INCREDIBLE TRADITION’
The Clondalkin Youth Band joined the festivities for the 35th time debuting their brand-new uniform.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, travelled in the beautiful Lord Mayor’s Coach dating back to 1791.
Blain said: “It’s a true privilege to serve as Dublin’s Lord Mayor, and one of the highlights of my role is participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
“This year, I’m especially excited to share this incredible tradition with my family. It’s a fantastic chance to celebrate the very best of our vibrant city.”
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
St Patrick’s Festival CEO Richard Tierney thanked the thousands of participants and performers involved.
He said: “This year’s parade features a stunning line up of pageantry, from dazzling floats celebrating 10 years of marriage equality, to towering mythical creatures and tributes to Ireland’s legendary history.”
Director Product Development at Failte Ireland, Orla Carroll, said: “Failte Ireland is also extending a Cead Míle Failte to 39 global print, broadcast and online media with a combined audience reach of 137 million that have travelled to Ireland this week to write, film, interview or post about Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day.”
The international media travelled from Belgium, USA, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the Nordics.
A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said: “The ‘Dublin City Council St Patrick’s Festival Treasure Hunt’ kicked off the weekend’s celebrations with over 650 teams taking part.
“The good-natured fun then continued into St Patrick’s Day itself.
“Days like these are what our great city is all about, people coming together and having a good time in a family-friendly safe environment.”
KERRY
Elsewhere in Kerry, Dingle kicked off St Patrick’s Day with early parade starting at 6am – marking the tradition during the Land War of the 1870s when British authorities banned gatherings between sunrise and sunset.
The Dingle Fife & Drum Marching band led early spectators through the streets before the main parade kicked off at 12.30pm.
LIMERICK
Some 70,000 people turned out for one of the biggest St Patrick’s Day parades in Limerick City.
Grand Marshal, Paralympic Silver Medalist Roisin Ni Riain said: “I grew up attending the parades and to be asked to lead this one is very special for me and my family.
“The day is a celebration of everything that is Irish.”
The 19-year-old says she always carries Limerick with her “no matter where” in the world she is.
GALWAY
Galway City’s grand marshal Sharon Shannon said she had a “fantastic experience” riding in the open top double decker bus.
She said: “Thanks again to the Mayor of Galway Peter Kane for inviting me and allowing my family and friends to be with us on the bus and viewing stand.”
CORK
Young rappers “Kabin Crew” took centre stage as Grand Marshal at Cork’s St. Patrick’s Festival.
The group went viral with their youth rap song The Spark featuring the Lisdoonvarna Crew.
Creative Director at The Kabin Studio, Garry McCarthy, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to showcase not just the talented young people and kids at The Kabin Studio, but also to bring along their families, our dedicated team, and the wider community that’s been part of this journey with us.
“For the past 13 years, we’ve been building something special in Knocknaheeny, and to now have the opportunity to bring that spark into the heart of the city at such a big, positive event is a huge moment for us.”
KILKENNY
In Kilkenny, over 1,500 participants and 60 floats took to the streets in the Marble City.
Festival Director Marian Flannery, said: “Our theme, ‘Bí Beo, Bí Linn’ – Be alive, be with us, encouraged groups to bring energy and creativity to the Kilkenny streets. There was a strong turnout this year.
“We are grateful to all the organisations and individuals who contributed to this year’s Parade, adding to the pageantry of our national holiday.”
