UP TO 30,000 lined the streets of Waterford today for the city's aptly-themed parade, “Waterford Through The Looking Glass”.
Starting at 1pm, the colour party made its way up the Quay and was followed by Waterford’s Army Reserves, An Slua Mhuire and the Civil Defence.
Even the threatenting rain held off and it seemed that the sun and the looming clouds made a deal. The result: overcast and temperate with no sun but no rain either during the parade.
The usual colour washed over Waterford’s city streets with hurlers, basketballers, pipers, brass and flute band musicians; sub aqua divers and of course Irish dancers, brightening up everyone’s early afternoon.
The parade this year seemed to have a large social aspect with parade participating groups from countries such as Poland, India and Norway, St Herblain in France which is Waterford's twin city.
And the members of the Friends of St Patrick’s received raptuous applause as they passed City Hall. The group is fighting tirelessly to ensure that the HSE keeps its promise regarding a new 50-bed unit at St Patrick’s [Geriatric] Hospital in the city, following the clsoure of St Bridget’s Ward there.
Mayor Cllr John Halligan yesterday said: “When you hear so much doom and gloom in the economy, it’s fantastic to see so many entrants here.
“It shows you how vibrant the city is; especially when you see communities from Poland, Norway and of course our friends from St Herblain.
“And of course, there’s no rain,” added Cllr Halligan.