HEAVY downpours and gale-force winds hampered the parade, with many children's groups having to pull out because of the weather.
Although the crowds were smaller than usual, hundreds of people lined the streets, sheltering from the rain beneath a sea of umbrellas.
The Mayor, Mr Maurice Cummins, called for a minute's silence as a gesture of sympathy to the people of Dunblane.
In his address, Minister of State for Health, Mr Brian O'Shea, called for a return of the ceasefire. There was a palpable demand, North and South, he said, for a positive and effective course of action which would lead to a return of the ceasefire followed by a subsequent peace based on justice.
He said the era of the men of violence was over and their continued refusal to participate in a meaningful way in the peace process was no longer acceptable to the people of Ireland.
He concluded by saying that the people of Waterford could help bring about peace by reiterating again and again their abhorrence of the bomb and gun, and their commitment to a negotiated settlement which would cater for the needs and aspirations of all.
ST PATRICK'S DAY - MOSCOW
Tanks no match for marching setters
IRISH businessmen were wondering whether to hold another parade in Moscow this year, writes Helen Womack. "After all, it's quite expensive," said Mr Bill Maxwell of Aer Rianta International, which launched the first parade in Russia in 1992 and has sponsored it every year since.
But the Russians were insistent, he said. They made clear they could not do without a parade. For St Patrick's Day has now become a fixture on the Moscow calendar.
It was not always so. When the first floats and green, orange and white Tricolours appeared five years ago, Russians thought it was a political demonstration. But now they know it is a party, and they come for the Guinness and the craic.
The day usually coincides with the first spring weather after the long hard winter, and so it was again this year. The sky was bright blue and the sun almost warm.
"Its a bit like a Soviet parade," whispered Ms Tatyana Kolesnikova, a student, as she watched the Russian Navy brass band open the proceedings. But Tatyana, watching the parade for the first time, changed her mind when she saw dozens of beautiful Irish setters come trotting on after the sailors. "Well, I have to admit that's better than tanks," she said.
The official guests included the Minister of State for Transport, Energy and Communications, Mr Emmet Stagg, and the new Ambassador to Moscow, Mr Ronan Murphy.