St Patrick Day is marked with the annual parade in Dublin city centre and religious services across the country.
Large crowds lined Dublin s O’Connell Street for the Saint Patrick s Day parade led by the Lord Mayor Councillor Paddy Dunne in his newly restored coach, last seen in service 40 years ago. The traditional blessing of the shamrock took place and was presented to the city councillors.
Marching bands, floats, community groups, clubs, singers and dancers all took part passing the viewing stand where President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh was seated. As well as the usual homegrown displays, there was also an international element to the parade including the Kikvorsch band from Holland and many Americans bringing their bi-centenary celebrations to Irish shores. 150 members of the Boston police force took part in the Dublin parade and were led down O’Connell Street by the Garda band. Other Americans included the Neshaminy Langhorne High School Band who put on an impressive disp