Galway:Pigs, pirate ships, Bible-bashing evangelists, gold prospectors and an exploding Croagh Patrick are promised in Galway city's St Patrick's festival, which was kicked off last night by a group of Celtic pipers.
The "gathering of Celtic clans" involved musicians from Ireland, Scotland's Isle of Lewis, Wales and Brittany, who set off from Spanish Arch in the city centre. This afternoon's event involves over 50 groups, and will avoid Eyre Square, which is still under "refurbishment".
The story of St Patrick and the holy and mystical mountain that bears his name in Mayo is the theme of the Galway city event, part of which will be directed by actor Diarmuid de Faoite. "Very loud, very colourful and very funny," is the director's promise - and spectators may also expect to get very wet.
The Galway Youth Theatre, Na Crosáin/Dordáin (from Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe), Coláiste Cholmcille, Fíbín and the Galway School of Performing Arts are among the participating groups, while Macnas, the Galway Circus Project, Mike Arrigan's Drummers, St Patrick's Brass Band and the Flock Dance Company are also signed up.
Visiting groups will include the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company of Massachusetts - said to be the oldest militia unit in the US.
The route extends from Galway fire station on Fr Griffin Road, up Dominick Street, Shop Street and Eglinton Street to the reviewing stand at Woodquay, starting at 12.30pm and lasting about two hours. Parades will also take place throughout the county in Tuam, Oranmore, Portumna, Ballinasloe, Headford, Abbeyknockmoy and Oughterard, while Athenry marks its national day on Sunday and Gort will spend all of four days celebrating, with a strong input from the town's Brazilian community.
