One of the many St Patricks at the Letterkenny parade today!
Spectacular Spring sunshine brought thousands of people onto the streets of Co Donegal’s largest town for its annual St Patrick’s Day Parade.
The sight of scores of people queueing alongside ice-cream vans in Letterkenny as they waited for the start of the parade on the town’s Main Street was a joy to behold.
Many wore shorts and t-shirts as they waited patiently for the annual display of vintage cars, grown men in cowboy suits on horses and tractors decked with bunting and balloons.
The event started with a reading of the Proclamation as an estimated 10,000 people lined the town’s Port Road and Main Street.
The parade was led by Ms Anne McGowan who carried the National Tidy Town’s Trophy after the town won the overall accolade last year.
There was also a great ethnic feel to the parade with floats and groups from the African and Polish community on display.
There was even a float highlighting the reported filming of some scenes from the latest Star Wars film which are due to take place in May in Malin Head.
There was a distinct lack of protest floats such as the anti-water charge floats which were present in last year’s parade.
There was some sadness as the Letterkenny Pipe Band failed to play at the event, the first time since 2000, citing a lack of pipers.
Instead it was a time to celebrate the many local GAA clubs, dance outfits and voluntary groups from across Donegal.
Among those who took part were groups from St Eunans GAA Club, Illistrin Soccer Club, the Blue Ribbon Arts Group, Letterkenny Gymnastics Group, Pinehill Dance Studios and at least four St Patricks!
Chief Executive Officer of Letterkenny Chamber, Ms Toni Forrestor, said the parade was a huge success.
“There is no doubt that the weather was a huge factor. We couldn’t have asked for a better day and people were in such h good spirits.
“Such events takes a lot of organising and so many people gave so much of their time for free to make this a really successful parade.
“Without these people and those who take part in the parade, it simply would not be possible,” she said.
Gardai said the event passed off without any incident.
