Forty shades of green

THE St Patrick’s Day Forgotten Irish Coffee Morning for the London-Irish Centre was a roaring success this year at St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Glasthule.
The organiser of the fundraiser, Margaret Browne, told The Gazette: “It was a huge success. Between 250 to 300 people were coming and going all the time and the place was jammed.
“There weren’t just a few from Glasthule – they came from everywhere. A lot made a long journey. One man read about it from London and came to see what it was all about.”
Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered in Stepaside to support its second ever St Patrick’s Day parade, with Olympic gold medal winner Ronnie Delaney acting as grand marshal, leading the participants out in an open-topped vintage car.
More than 60 groups took part in the Stepaside parade, which started at 12.30pm and continued until 5pm. Some of the groups included Kilternan ICA and the organisers of the event, the Stepaside Business Association. Representing Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council was An Cathaoirleach Marie Baker (FG).
Over in the city centre, a sea of green, white and orange poured through the streets for the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade and festivities.
Approximately half a million people lined the city streets between Parnell Square and St Patrick’s Cathedral to witness the nation’s largest celebration.
This year’s parade adopted the theme of Celebrate Now, in recognition of Ireland’s contemporary arts and culture exploits. Featuring bands and performers from around the world, this year’s procession was led by the grand marshal, comedian Brendan O’Carroll.
There was a remarkable buzz of excitement on everyone’s faces waiting for the parade to begin. Hundreds of tourists coming to Dublin especially for the parade made sure to get a good vantage point, and also seemed to be praying for the weather to remain calm.
At noon on the dot, the Lord Mayor’s horse-drawn carriage started the parade, trailing behind St Patrick himself
Loud cheers then followed as O’Carroll and his wife, Jennifer Gibney, rode past in a vintage car, waving and shouting classic Mrs Brown’s lines that many know so well.
The day was soon brought to life by leading pageant companies from around the world, displaying some fantastic creations and thrilling performances, inspired by the present, which enthralled and excited the crowds.
Amidst the colourful pageantry, bands from the USA, Mexico, Germany and Ireland delivered uplifting scores. This spectacular procession then proceeded its way through the heart of Dublin city.