Sun shone the right way on Dublin parade

More than half a million spectators turned out on what was one of the warmest, sunniest days this year to attend the country's biggest St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin city.

Some 3,000 participants, including 17 international marching bands and 10 "pageants", marched from Parnell Square to St Patrick's Cathedral in the opposite direction to previous parade routes.

Organisers said the new route was likely to be retained.

"Originally the decision was taken because it was better in terms of pictures for the cameramen and photographers, because the parade would have the sun shining on it.

"But it looked fantastic to have everyone coming from O'Connell Street," a festival spokeswoman said.

The parade was due to start at noon, but was delayed by five minutes following a minor incident involving one of the horses that draws the Lord Mayor's Coach. The animal became agitated and broke from its harness, but was quickly secured.

Four grand marshals from Irish aid agencies were selected to lead this year's parade in recognition of the public's contribution to the Asian tsunami disaster.

They were John O'Shea of Goal, Paddy McGuinness of Concern, Carmel Dunne of the Irish Red Cross and Justin Kilcullen of Trócaire.

The grand marshals introduced the theatrical section of the parade, with the core attraction of the pageants or "floats".

The overall prize for the "premier pageant" went to the Brighter Futures Project for "The Nutterfly Effect", which involved 600 transition-year students from schools across Dublin.

The "spirit of the parade" prize was won by Cosa Measta from Donegal for their surreal take on Irish culture and politics entitled "The Ministry of Mayhem".

Dutch group, Maastrichtse Verkennersband, won the best band competition.

The parade was followed by the Céilí Mór at Earlsfort Terrace and the Festival Fun Fair, which runs until Sunday at Merrion Square West.

Other festival events include the Wacky Rally starting from Wilton Terrace on the Grand Canal to the south of the city from 6.30pm today; an outdoor food and craft market in O'Connell Street and Wolfe Tone Park until Sunday from 10am to 6pm; and the Skyfest fireworks display at 8pm tomorrow at the Custom House.