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The streets of Newry were ablaze with colour yesterday as the annual St Patrick's Day parade made its way from the Albert Basin to Sugar Island and beyond with 'St Patrick' himself leading the way along with Councillors Doire Finn and Killian Feehan representing Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie
Visitors gathered from noon to get the best vantage point with the Buttercrane and Canal Court Hotel two of the most popular locations.
It was obvious that last year's turnout was easily surpassed, with the help of a rare dry spell lasting the entire day. The family orientated festival had hundreds of children taking part walking the route.
Perhaps the most visual participant was a giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill with a shocking blaze of ginger hair complimented by sideburns, eyebrows to get lost in and of course a moustache. He easily could have cleaned out the gutters on the three storey buildings on Sugar Island as he passed by!
parade.
Then there was the massive harpist whose black flowing hair was hard to control in the stiff breeze and a menacing dragon travelling overhead.
As well as the 'real' St Patrick leading the parade there also was a colourful and quite theatrical St Patrick with his equally colourful entourage.
Bessbrook Crimson Arrow Pipe Band, Camlough Brass and Reed Band and Holy Cross Accordion Band, Attical provided the musical backdrop along with Beat Carnival and a brass and drum sextet.
A special part of the parade each year is the involvement of local organisations and this year we spotted Naíscoil an Iuir, Shane O'Neills Camlough, Cathal Fegans Schools of Taekwondo, Ballyholland Harps, Newry Rugby Club, Craobh Rua Hurling Camlough, Newry Indian Arts Club, Bosco GFC, Newry Shamrocks, Gallagher School of Irish Dancing, SOS Daisy Hill, First Dromore Scouts, Dance Associate Dance School IWAI Newry and Portadown Branch and U3A.
When the parade ended, the crowd filtered down Hill Street past a range of stalls with many calling in to the Ceili tent and others listened to the bands on stage at Marcus Square. Newry Artisan Market and the Museum also proved popular attractions.
The knock on effect the parade has on local establishments can't be underestimated with bars and restaurants packed all day and well into the night, despite Tuesday being a 'work day'.
Well done to the event organisers.
