A Canadian theme will be evident at this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Monaghan town, where a large contingent has arrived from Prince Edward Island. The parade will be reviewed by the Canadian ambassador, Mr Michael Phillips. Hundreds of people from the North are also expected following an appeal by parade chairman, Mr Willie McKenna, to cross community groups to take part. More than 15 bands and one hundred floats are expected.
In Thurles, Co Tipperary, yesterday several thousand people lined the streets for the town's biggest St Patrick's Day parade. There were some 60 floats and five bands.