WATERFORD:TENS OF thousands of people lined the quay and the Mall for the parade in Waterford city yesterday, which was themed "Capital of Colour".
Musician and television presenter Val Doonican, a Passage Road native, led the parade from Vulcan Street up to the viewing stand near City Hall on the Mall, where the 82-year-old was greeted with a rapturous round of applause.
Military personnel, scouts, brass bands, pipers and hurlers showed out in good numbers as did martial artists, hippies and breakdancers.
A stage in John Roberts Square featured bands such as The Pale, The House of Cosy Cushions and local outfit Deaf Animal Orchestra.
It was a fitting follow on from the National Lottery-sponsored Skyfest fireworks display – as part of the St Patrick’s Festival – along the quays on Friday night, which attracted more than 70,000 people.
A large screen outside the Tower Hotel yesterday afternoon enticed groups of hurling fans, and even the 19-point victory inflicted on Waterford’s De La Salle by Galway’s Portumna in the GAA All-Ireland club hurling final did little to diminish the spirits of those engaged there.
