In pictures: Pure Cork and ‘Pure Imagination’ as city celebrates St Patrick's Day as only it can

CORK city was resplendent with shamrocks today as revellers from across the world donned the green and came together for celebrations at the 2024 St Patrick’s Day parade.

This year’s march from South Mall to Merchant’s Quay welcomed more than 3,100 participants and 58 performance groups encourage onlookers to delve into the magic and wonder of Cork through the theme of ‘Pure Imagination’.

Iconic Cork band, The Frank and Walters led the parade as Grand Marshall, with radio presenter KC from Cork’s Red FM as MC ing The Echo as media partners for the event.

Kaleidoscope of colour 

Performers from local community groups including the Carrigtwohill Gospel Choir, Neptune Basketball Club and the Rising Sun School of Karate were ed by professional marching bands from the Defence Forces School of Music, as they strolled by in a kaleidoscope of colour.

The parade kicked off at 1pm from the junction of South Mall and Parnell Place, before following its usual route along Grand Parade, up Patrick’s Street and finishing on Merchant’s Quay.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Kieran McCarthy, was also present in the parade, dressed as Willy Wonka, keeping in line with the event’s theme.

Speaking about the parade, the Lord Mayor said: “It’s a celebration of life in Cork and in our city of the welcomes.”

 One happy couple, hailing all the way from New Hampshire in the US, were here to celebrate both a 50th birthday and our Patron Saint.

Birthday ‘girl’ Codi Raymond, who was in the city with her husband for the first time said: “We thought it was the perfect chance to come to Ireland, we love it! We’re excited to enjoy the parade.” 

Marine, another parade goer from overseas, came from Paris to visit friends and celebrate Irish culture: “I’m most excited to party with my friends, go with the flow and be green!” Kayla Ahern (11) from Glanmire, who was in the city with mum Michelle, also expressed her sheer excitement at “seeing everyone in the parade,” enjoying the music and revelling in the special St Patrick’s Day atmosphere.

Cultural diversity

This year’s parade welcomed a number of international groups, representing the cultural diversity of Cork, including performers from the Chinese, Mexican, Polish, Turkish and Sudanese communities.

Flavia Orsiro (11), who is originally from Venezuela, now living in Limerick, was in Cork visiting family friends, Maria Corona and Gavin O’Neill from Youghal.

Speaking about the event, Miss Orsiro said: “This is my first time in Cork, I’m really excited to see the parade and enjoy the costumes.” Ms Corona also spoke to The Echo about her parade experience, saying: “This is my second time watching the parade in Cork, we were here last year and it was amazing!

"We saw a lot of Mexicans, their costumes were really good. We’re really looking forward to enjoying the day.” 

With the good weather and a booming atmosphere, restaurants, bars and shops across the city centre saw parade goers come and go in their thousands.

Jack Matthews, Store Manager at Murphy’s Ice Cream Bar on Cook Street said: “We’re super busy today, you can see there’s a fantastic atmosphere around the city and it’s all thanks to the businesses and the council.” “I have every bit of faith that there’ll be a brilliant show on, it’s a great day for everyone in Cork.”

The event lasted for just over an hour, leaving the people of Cork and its many visitors with a great sense of euphoria. The parade was one of many events hosted across the city and county today in honour of St Patrick.