DESPITE the far from perfect weather in Ireland yesterday, hundreds of thousands of people attended St Patrick's Day's events all over the country.
As usual Dublin's parade drew the biggest numbers, both of participants and of viewers not just from this island but from many parts of the world.
The saint's feast day was celebrated in every major city – including Belfast – many towns and even small villages.
The Belfast parade took the theme 'City of Equals' and after the last float and band had passed there was a free concert at Custom House Square. In the past events in Belfast have results with some unfortunate, usually alcohol-fuelled incidents, particularly in the south of the city. Last night there were no reports of any serious incidents.
That's as it should be. It would be a pity if what is at its root a religious festival resulted in any kind of disorder.
Thankfully all the indications last night were that St Patrick's Day had provided an enjoyable spectacle at events all over the country and that those events had showcased to visitors much of what is good about Ireland.
