DublinUp to 650,000 people were on the streets of Dublin to see this year's St Patrick's Day Parade, according to organisers. Crowds were up by 150,000 on last year's chilly parade, helped by the bright weather and the "Saturday effect", which ensured weekend visitors could take in the event.
Led by grand marshall Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh with his wife Helena, daughter and grandchildren, 3,000 participants took part, brightening the capital's streets.
At the GPO stand, guests included President Mary McAleese; Taoiseach Bertie Ahern; Lord Mayor of Dublin Vincent Jackson; New York City Council speaker Christine Quinn; Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy; TV presenter Brendan Courtney, festival chairwoman Mary Davis and festival chief executive Donal Shiels.
Ten pageants featuring legends from around the world brought colour, laughter and the occasional fright to onlookers. Among the scariest sights were Waterford-based Spraoi's monsters, while the Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology brought a smile with The Antics of Balor's Daughter pageant featuring Alternative Miss Ireland presenter, Miss Panti.
Dracula, a regular visitor to the parade, also managed to raise an occasional scream. St Patrick's Festival chairman's award, presented by chairwoman Mary Davis, was given to Dublin City Council's City Fusion pageant, City Change, which celebrated Dublin's multi-cultural nature.
The Rupert Murray Spirit of the Parade Award, commemorating the festival's first artistic director, who died last August, was awarded to Wexford-based group Buí Bolg. They recreated the legendary meeting between Grace O'Malley and English queen Elizabeth I. Twelve Irish and international bands took part, with Banda de Gaites Llacin from Spain receiving the Best Adult Band award. The Horizon High School Marching Hawks, from Colorado in the US, were presented with the Marching Band Spirit of the Parade award, having taken part despite losing all their instruments and uniforms in Copenhagen.
A festival spokeswoman said they were very pleased with the turnout.
"We had one of our biggest crowds ever, including around 50,000 tourists. 2005 was bigger, but that was an exceptionally warm day," she said.
A Garda spokesman said the parade passed off peacefully, but there were a number of arrests for public order offences. "There were around 55 arrests up to midnight. Given the size of the crowd, it was no more than would be expected on any Saturday night," he said.
