If the public could have their way, Brian O'Driscoll would probably be the grand marshal of the St Patrick's Day parade in his native Dublin this year. Cyclist Stephen Roche gets the honour this year, however. The rest of the Irish team who won the RBS Six Nations championship on Saturday would also get a rapturous reception, but they are not taking part either.
Dublin is already in party mode following Saturday’s heartstopping triumph. An estimated 140,000 visitors from abroad have made a long weekend of it, as St Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday.
The city has been promised dry and cool conditions, an improvement on last year when the parade was held in driving rain. According to Met Éireann, it will be cloudy and mainly dry with a few spots of light rain or drizzle and top temperatures of 11-12 degrees.
The theme of this year's parade is appropriate given the events of the weekend. Let's Make History will honour Brian Boru with the 1,000th anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf happening next month.
There are no plans to honour the Irish team with a public reception as of yet, but Brian O’Driscoll will receive the Freedom of Dublin on Saturday at the Mansion House.
Where and when:
Dublin: The parade leaves Parnell Square at 12pm and goes to St Patrick's Cathedral.
Cork: Starts at the Mall at 1pm and ends at Merchant's Quay. Michael Flatley will be the grand marshal.
Galway: Parade starts at Dominick Street at 11.30am and ends at Eyre Square.
Limerick: Parade starts at 12pm from O'Connell Street.
Waterford: Starts at 1pm and goes from The Quays to Parnell Street.
