Crowds come out to celebrate St Patrick's Day despite poor weather
NICOLA ANDERSON – 17 MARCH 2013http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/crowds-come-out-to-celebrate-st-patricks-day-despite-poor-weather-29135949.htmlAS the whole world lit up in 40 million shades of green, St Patrick's Day at home got underway with a traditional swing.
On a day when Google marked the occasion with little green Irish dancer "cailini", every town and village in the country came alive to celebrate our national day.
And despite snow, sleet, rain and even a brief spell of sunshine, thousands came out to line the streets for the parades.
Spirits were high for the special People's Parade which kicked off the day in Dublin, as part of the Gathering.
Around 6,000 participants from 144 countries worldwide samba-ed, flamencoed, folk-danced or just plain marched the route from Parnell Square just past St Patrick's Cathedral before the main parade began at noon, led by Grand Marshall Nicky Byrne.
Half a million people turned out on the streets of the capital - though figures were said to be down because of the exceptionally cold weather.
The largest ever group of representatives of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community took part in the parade from "Dublin Pride and BeLonGTo", marching with the City Fusion pageant group.
