So it’s a few days late, WHATEVER!
We awoke here in D u b l i n to a warm bright sunny 14*C day. Our preparations had begun the previous evening as we rooted out the camping stools and chairs from the garden shed. So with a breakfast of “French Toast” filling our bellies and warm clothes on our backs, the St Patrick’s Day badges pinned to the kids & faces “Tattooed”. We set out with a rucksack packed full of snackable goodies! All we had to do was to navigate our way around all the road closures to get to our usual parking spot.
We barely found parking at our usual spot. It seemed as if the good weather had brought out every Tom, Dick & Mary!! We set off on the short walk to find our place beside St Patrick’s Cathedral. We unfolded our stools and chairs and took up our positions in front of the safety barrier (or should that be behind?) We had approximately 1 ½ hours to wait for the Parade to reach us.
The TV characters “The Simpsons” were over in for the Parade as they had made an Irish Episode of the Programme which was getting its world Premiere here in I r e l a n d on St Patricks Evening. According to the producers this was a BIG DEAL as they had never premiered an episode anywhere else in the world EVER apart from this one! So Homer, Marge, Grandpa, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie led the Parade much to the amusement of all the kids!!
In a special move to mark the GAA’s 125th anniversary, the four All-Ireland winning captains lined out as joint Grand Marshals. Who were then followed by the Lord Mayor in the beautiful Lord Mayors Horse Drawn Coach! There were Marching bands from G e r m a n y, and the following from the US of A : The Mountain Vista High School Golden Eagle Band
from C o l o r a d o , The Riverview High School Kiltie Band from F l o r i d a , The Eastern New Mexico University Greyhound Sound Band, and The Edgewood Band from Ellettsville
I n d i a n a. Along with our own Army Band, The Garda Band, The Artane Boys Band and the Clondalkin Youth Band!!
Of course in between all the marching bands there were beautifully colourful floats and characters of all descriptions including many dancing groups. The NYFD and the NYPD also had Marchers in the Parade! So with the great weather and the light hearted banter among the spectators a great time was had by all!!
As Usual Thanks for Stopping by, take a minute more to just say HI!!
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