BOLTON STREET TO GRATTAN BRIDGE VIA CAPEL STREET
At about noon I decided that I would good and have lunch at Eatkoyo on Capel Street. I need to be there well before the parade which began at 12:15 ended because it would be impossible to get into a Pub or Restaurant after about 2pm or 3pm [depending on location]. I walked along Bolton Street which was blocked to traffic and continued along Capel Street which was close to empty with a few people rushing to find the best location to view the parade. When I left the restaurant the street was becoming very busy and more so as I crossed Grattan Bridge.
Below Is A Short Description Of The Parade.
Dublin’s streets were awash with green earlier today as the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade delighted crowds with its vibrant celebration of Irish culture. The parade showcased a fantastic mix of Irish tradition and international influences, with several talented marching bands from the United States making a memorable contribution.
The rhythmic pulse of the parade was driven by a diverse array of marching bands. Young musicians from the Clondalkin Youth Band proudly represented their hometown, while the energy of American universities was palpable in performances by the University of Missouri – Marching Mizzou and the Western Carolina University Pride of the Mountains Marching Band.
High school bands brought their own distinct charm to the festivities. Groups like the Homewood High School Patriot Band (Alabama), The Pride of Clover Band (South Carolina), the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Fighting Irish Marching Band (Ohio), the and the Science Hill High School Hilltopper Marching Band (Tennessee) added a youthful vibrancy to the parade route.
Other notable American participants included the Youngsville High School Marching Eagles (Pennsylvania), the John F. Kennedy High School Shamrock Regiment (California), the Olentangy Orange High School Marching Pioneers (Ohio), the Lakeville South Marching Cougars (Minnesota), and the Noblesville High School Marching Millers (Indiana).
The presence of these American bands added a unique dimension to today’s parade. Their enthusiastic performances, varied musical styles, and camaraderie underscored the spirit of cultural exchange and celebration embodied by this international spectacle.