Cork: Irish athletics' newly crowned golden girl Derval O'Rourke was greeted by thousands of fans yesterday when she took centre stage during the St Patrick's Day celebrations in Cork city.
The 24-year-old from the southside suburb of Douglas attended the 37th annual St Patrick's Day Market Tavern 60 metres dash - an event she won herself on a few occasions over the years.
Derval admitted she had many childhood memories of the pre match race and said she was "honoured" to have such a major role in yesterday's parade.
However, the down to earth runner who is noted for her disciplined nature admitted she was "itching" to get back to training following her fairytale win at the World Indoor Championships in Moscow.
"I would have watched the parade a lot when I was young and taken part in the kids race so it is really great to have a bigger role. It is all only starting to sink in really. I don't think I have slept in days. I cook all the time and I haven't even cooked a breakfast all week.
"I have received 150 text messages and I haven't had time to get back to them. I have had cards made by kids from St Columba's in Douglas, my old primary school. There was one with a drawing of me on front. It was so sweet and thoughtful. I have taken a few days off and I am looking forward to getting back to training." Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Cork city centre for the St Patrick's Day parade - the first event in a three day festival.
With grand marshals including the victorious Cork City soccer team and the All-Ireland winning hurling and camogie teams, the 2006 "Alice in Wonderland" themed parade started at lunchtime on the South Mall.
Almost 2,100 community group volunteers and bands from Ireland and the US took part. Groups from Togo, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Poland and Shanghai gave the event a multicultural feel.
The Festival Market, which last year showcased the best of local food and crafts, returned yesterday and will continue in the city centre until tomorrow. Other highlights include the Carnival of Fools in the city centre today and tomorrow.
The carnival will feature circus acts, music, dance, performance and general mayhem including The Incredible Bull Circus; The Invisible Men; Bill Ferguson and as The Polyphonics, one of the longest established barbershop choruses in Ireland.
Last night a special St Patrick's Day visual performance and musical extravaganza took place at the Mardyke Complex and featured the queen of Jamaican dance hall Dawn Penn and Féile African Sound System.
But while Cork city's parade was undoubtedly the main event in Munster, there were large parades throughout County Cork.
The west Cork town of Dripsey believes it has the world's shortest parade - just 25 yards from one pub to another.