St Patrick's Day Parade, Sunday 15th March 2009

Ever since we've lived in Ireland, we've always managed to be away for the St Patrick's Day parade. This time we were here and went to the one in Gort, our nearest town. We really enjoyed it, the whole place was a sea of green and yellow. Flags abounded and buntings hung across the streets. I had no idea it was such a huge occasion for the locals. I took loads of photos, as usual, and I think they give the flavour more than anything I could say. I hope you enjoy them. The theme of the parade this year was the 1960s





A good one to start with
















The shops are decorated

























Spectators dressed up to watch the parade













There were lots of little clowns from a play centre




















































In the market place was this lovely old Threshing machine.











Here they were demonstrating how it worked. Jim is in the red coat.



















An old display of farming tools












A lovely old bus and great character beside it.












A model T Ford. There were dozens of old and vintage cars.









More clowns





















One came on stilts
















Getting ready for the parade outside the church, Gort
























And here they are marching.




















My ear itches!


















Here they all are actually in the parade




















This chap had a wonderful time in his church gear.















The Young Hurlers
















These were from the ICA, the equivalent of the Women's Institute. They are The Beatles of course!












Aliens were everywhere! And spacemen of course

















An Alien


















Irish Lions, 'To be sure, I'm goin' ta roar'


















A bouncing man!

















Men on the moon (loved the rocket, a washing machine)




















I think it was all a bit beyond this little Brazilian boy!















A super scooter, pity I cut the top of his head off











I'm not sure why this lot were caged!

















The bouncing man, the stilt walker and a boy on a unicycle.



















A piper and his scary friend the drummer
































This lad with his windmill was waving from one of the old cars













Washing hanging from one of the floats!












Cashing in on the day


















This lady was on a hippy float. They won in their section.











One man and his dog, riding an old tractor. The hat on the right looks like an old favourite, well worn.











3 young Irish dancers in their lovely costumes




Hats and wigs came in all shapes, sizes and styles, as long as they were green!















An Alice Band with shamrock decorations




















A tiny hat












Green Hair!

















Classy



















My favourite Clown

















'Kiss Me I'm Irish', but wake me up first!


















This lass had decided a warm hat was called for.


















I love this photo. What a fantastic face this man has.


















My favourite child's photo


















A super home made hat

















This family were all dressed for the occasion. Look at the little lad as a leprechaun! I love the one on the left's glasses too.






The weather wasn't too bad, at times the sun shone then the wind blew cold. It was a super day, everyone was in great spirits and I thoroughly enjoyed my first St Patrick's Day Parade.