St Patrick's Day As Seen On TV

Take a look back at some of the St Patrick's Day events of the last five decades. Were you a majorette or parade participant? If so, can you spot yourself? Watch 1965 parades from around the country, the 1979 Dublin parade and the world's self-proclaimed shortest parade. You can even revisit the year of no parades. Also featured are the St Patrick's Day activities of the Irish navy in Brazil, Croagh Patrick and fireworks at the Rock of Cashel. Watch a report on shamrock-growing. See Gay Byrne walking the streets of London seeking impressions of Ireland from the British.

St Patrick's Day Round-Up 1965

On a wet and gloomy St Patrick's Day in 1965, RTÉ News presents reports from around the country and London. In Dublin, the parade is dominated by industrial products. There is no parade in Belfast, and few of the usual shoppers from south of the border. In London, reporter Joe Fahy believes that, "any Irishman in London feels ten feet tall on this St Patrick's Day." There is also footage from Limerick, Cork, Galway and Armagh.

"I'll Never Forget The Queen When She Got Her Little Silver Basket of Shamrock"

Bill O'Herlihy reports on the commercial growing of shamrock in Rosscarbery, Cork. Mrs O'Keefe recalls being the guest of honour at the royal presentation of shamrock to the Irish Guards in London. John O'Regan explains what is is involved in the growing of shamrock, but is not so forthcoming on the financial return!

In the Footsteps of St Patrick

Harry Hughes, Chairman of the Croagh Patrick Archaeological Group, explains Ireland's patron saint's connection with this mountain and why it is a place of pilgrimage.

H Block Protest Rerouted, Abel Alarms Win

Here are a number of scenes from Dublin's St Patrick's Day parade, 1979: Paddy Belton, Lord Mayor of Dublin, reviews bands from the USA and Scotland, along with the Friendship Band of Northern Ireland. Majorette groups from Balbriggan, Tallaght, Inchicore and Crumlin perform on O'Connell Street. Abel Alarms win the commercial float award for their take on "The Muppet Show". Vincent Thomas's antique bicycles also win a prize. An attempted H Block protest is rerouted away from the parade.

"North Seem To Be Rebels, South Seem To Be Leprechauns"

St Patrick's Day often prompts discussions of what it means to be Irish. In a "Late Late Show" special broadcast from London, presenter Gay Byrne takes to the streets and asks English people what they know of Ireland.

Growing Politicisation of New York Parade

This "Today Tonight" report from 1983 focuses on the New York parade and how Irish state agencies have withdrawn their support for it due to the increasing influence of pro-IRA elements. Michael Flannery is the controversial choice of grand marshal for this year's parade.

Is This The Shortest St Patrick's Day Parade?

Here is a parade that stretches 25 yards from one pub to another in Dripsey, Cork.

Foot and Mouth Outbreak Restricts Events

In 2001, St Patrick's Day events throughout the country were restricted or cancelled due to the foot and mouth outbreak. With no parade in Dublin, this clip shows Donal Norton putting on a one-man parade on Grafton Street while tourists make the best of what's on offer. In the village of Mulraney, Mayo, the pipe band manages a short parade.

Party For Street Children In Rio de Janeiro

The crew of Irish navy ship the "LE Eithne" and the small Irish community of Rio de Janeiro hold a St Patrick's Day party for some of the city's street children.

Fireworks At Rock of Cashel

In 2008, the St Patrick's Day Festival moved its "Skyfest" outside of Dublin for the first time and held the fireworks display at the Rock of Cashel.