A Donegal-born Labour councillor said he was ‘hugely honoured’ to carry the Tricolour at today’s St Patrick’s Parade in London.
Two years ago, Cllr Troy Gallagher (48), from Letterkenny, became the first Irish-born mayor of the London Borough of Islington.
“I was hugely honoured and delighted to be selected and asked to carry the national flag, The Tricolour, Bratach na hEireann, and lead the London St Patrick’s Day Parade 2023,” he said this evening.
“It was a privilege, a great responsibility to be trusted with and an everlasting memory.”
There was a strong Donegal contingent among the hundreds who got to take part in the parade, which was watched by over 50,000 people.
They included 2022 Mary from Dungloe, and London Mary, Caitlin Finn (below) from Ballybofey.
Cllr Troy Gallagher with Dungloe ‘Mary’ Caitlin Finn and friend.
Also walking the route with the leading group was London-Irish rapper, Cillian Gallagher Rodgers (20).
Cillian (below) is the son of Eamon Rodgers and Caroline Gallagher, from Rannafast and Maghery respectively, who have lived in North London for over 30 years.
Cillian (in Donegal top) with London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, Deputy Mayor for Crime, Sophie Linden, and her son Patrick.
The St Patrick’s Day festivities kicked off with a parade and series of events in Trafalgar Square.
Organisers catered for 50,000 at the parade and celebrations today with the theme ‘London Loves The Irish’.
The parade, with traditional floats and marching bands, started from Green Park at noon and went through Piccadilly Circus before ending at Trafalgar Square.
A proud Cllr Troy Gallagher at the starting line for the 2023 London St Patrick’s Day Parade.
In the square, there were six hours of performance arranged including traditional music, rap and spoken word.
There was also showcasing of dance, culture and food compered by Masterchef champion, Riyadh Khalef.
Performers included Sharon Shannon, The Craicheads, Celtic Youth Orchestra and Biblecode Sundays.
There were also performances from Maguire O’Shea School of Dance and spoken word artist Leon Dunne.
Irish organisation is including the London Irish Centre, Irish in Britain and London Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) also had stalls to showcase aspects of Irish culture.
Social Protection Minister Heather Humphries was there representing the government.
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