Here we Blow!
Six Nations victory kicks off festivities as the world goes green to praise Emerald Isle
THE St Patrick’s weekend celebrations started early as Ireland clinched the Six Nations Championship with a hard-earned win over Scotland.
In a gruelling battle at the Aviva Stadium Andy Farrell’s men ground out a 17-13 victory to lift the championship for the second year running.
Half a million people are expected to line the streets in Dublin city centre for today’s
parade which organisers claim will be one of the biggest ever. Visitors from all over the world will descend on the capital to witness the spectacle which has the theme of Spreach, the Irish word for spark. It will feature six large-scale pageants, 11 showpieces and 14 marching bands, with over 4,000 people taking part. Dozens of other parades will take place in cities and towns around the country today despite forecasters predicting it will be wet and windy. Organisers said: “It’s what sets us apart and what brings us together, and often times it’s the reason that people from all over the world have a special place in their hearts for Irish people, place and culture.”
The St Patrick’s Weekend festivities began yesterday in New York when hundreds of thousands lined the streets of the Big Apple to watch dozens of marching bands as they made their way around the traditional 35-block route.
A marching band, carrying both Irish and American flags, led the way with a rendition of U2’s famous hit, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.
This is the 263rd year of the NYC parade and went ahead a day early as is the tradition when St Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday.
New York also got the Paddy’s party started early with its Fifth Avenue parade on Saturday including tributes to U2 and other Irish icons.
Back home the Dublin parade takes to the streets at 12 noon, winding its way from Parnell Square in the north of the city, down O’connell Street, over
St Patrick’s Festival shines a light on our capital city
O’connell Bridge and through the south side of the city, ending at the Cuffe St/kevin St junction.
Late Late Show host and stand-up comedian Patrick Kielty will act as Grand Marshal and will lead out the parade.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithi de Roiste, said the parade shows off what
is best about Dublin and Ireland.
He said: “Every year St Patrick’s Festival shines a light on our capital city, offering the perfect chance for those living here and visiting to experience this celebration of Irish arts and culture.
“In the spirit of the hospitality we are renowned for, we encourage everyone to be welcoming, kind and respectful to one another on St Patrick’s Day and across the festival.”