‘Great people, great beer, it’s very nice here’ – Visitors from around the world descend on Dublin for St Patrick’s Day parade
About 3,000 people took part in a procession featuring 12 large floats and 10 marching bands, meandering along a parade route – from Parnell Square on the city’s north side to Kevin Street on the south – flanked by onlookers from home and abroad.The theme of this year’s festival was Roots, in celebration of the facets of Irish identity that have, over centuries, been woven into the fabric of modern Irish society.Ringing out were ear-busting tunes from the marching bands, including the Clondalkin Youth Band. They were joined by eight bands from the US and one from Scotland.From dancing squirrels to giant tea cosies, and with contributions from Macnas, Spraoi and Lumen Street Theatre, the parade was full of vibrant pageantry.Soaking up the atmosphere were visitors from all over the world.“The Guinnesses are better here than in London,” said Christopher Quinn-Connolly (22) from St Louis in the US state of Missouri.Mr Quinn-Connolly was with his two friends for spring break. They had decided to cross the Atlantic to experience an Irish Paddy’s Day first-hand.Christopher Quinn-Connolly (22), Zach Stapleton (23) and Joseph Ettinger (23) from St Louis, Missouri“I’ve been to Dublin once before and couldn’t ask for better weather,” his friend Zach Stapleton (23), also from Missouri, said.“I’ve had some friends who have come for St Patrick’s Day and they kind of told me what to expect. So it’s been great so far.”Rounding out the group was Joseph Ettinger (23), who had plenty of time for Ireland and Irish people.“Exceeding expectations. Just incredible. People are wonderful,” he said, holding a pint of Guinness he insisted was his first of the day.“There’s definitely an extra fire in the air.”Three Danish visitors dressed head to toe in green leprechaun attire had arrived in on Sunday.“I bought it online,” said Andres Deleuran (30) from Denmark about his elaborate ensemble. “I’m pretty sure it came from China, to be fair. But cheap, looking brilliant. Can’t be better than that.“We [celebrate St Patrick’s Day] in Denmark as well. It’s not that big. It’s quite small actually. But this is a whole other thing.”A member of the Ohio State University marching band at the Dublin parade. Photo: ReutersHis brother, Mathias (33), paid a flying visit to Dublin once before, but he is glad to be back for the significant day.The brothers’ friend, Mark Lund (31), said: “Great people, great beer here. It’s very nice here.”James Patrick Michael Ireland (64) from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, arrived into Ireland on Monday with some companions.He joked: “We’re out and about on a sunny day. We heard it’s common.”His long-time friend, Michael Patrick James (63), the son of an Irish mother, is on his fourth visit to Ireland. “I didn’t expect that everybody would be in hats,” he said. “I expected that from Boston, but I didn’t expect it here.”Linda Marklew (53), from Devon, England, said: “I’ve come down with my friends who are from Portsmouth and we’ve come down to pick up the atmosphere and just enjoy the day.“It’s a lovely day and thank you for letting us come to Dublin.”The Grand Marshal of this year’s parade was media personality and Dublin native Vogue Williams, who said the position was one she “didn’t really think about” when first asked.She’s kind of everything that a Grand Marshal should be“When you get asked to be the Grand Marshal, you kind of have to say yes to it,” she told the Irish Independent.“It’s such a great honour and I love our country so much, so I’m glad that I’m able to do this. It’s really exciting.”Williams revealed she was not long out of the I’m a Celebrity... jungle when she got offered the role.“I actually found out in the car … My manager was like, ‘They asked you to be Grand Marshal’. I was like, ‘Say yes now. Mail them back now’.”Williams reflected on the “imposter syndrome” that has plagued her in the build-up, even though she badly wanted to fulfil the role.“It was only when it was coming up to this, I was like ‘Oh God, I'm going to be really embarrassed sitting in a car waving at everyone. What if no one waves at me?’.”St Patrick’s Festival chief executive Richard Tierney said Williams “ticked every box” that is required of a Grand Marshal.“We look at trends. We look at who’s popular out there. We look at good role models,” he said.“We’re really delighted. You can see by her now, she’s having a laugh. She’s kind of everything that a Grand Marshal should be.”
