Thousands enjoy Saint Patrick's Day parades held in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
In Dublin, Lord Mayor Alderman Fergus O'Brien s leads the parade in the restored 18th century Lord Mayor’s coach. In O’Connell Street Taoiseach Charles Haughey and other dignitaries are seated in the viewing stand. The FCA, military police, skaters from Crumlin, cyclists, a mini mini, a giant cow, American cheerleaders and marching bands are among the participants in the Dublin parade.
St Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin (1981)
Dublin Tourism said that parade aims to be,
Impressive, aesthetic, dignified, well conducted and Irish. A shop window for 26 different television and radio outlets.
The city of Cork had its biggest most colourful had St Patrick's Day parade in many years. 80 organisations took part in the event which was reviewed by Lord Mayor Alderman Toddy O’Sullivan and other politicians. The parade was organised by Cork’s Junior Chamber who praised the quality of the floats which all came from local organisations. This year’s parade in Cork had no participation from abroad. Pipe bands, Irish dancing groups, depictions of Saint Patrick, attracted a huge turnout of onlookers.
St Patrick's Day Parade in Galway (1981)
In Galway, Minister for the Gaeltacht Maire Geoghan Quinn reviewed a guard of honour drawn from the 5th field artillery regiment. An estimated 15,000 people came out to watch the music groups, marching bands and floats making up the parade. The emphasis was on traditional music and culture. Bishop of Galway Eamonn Casey joined the minister on the viewing stand along with the Lord Mayor of Galway Councillor Mary Byrne.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 17 March 1981. The reporters are Brendan O’Brien, Tom MacSweeney and Jim Fahy.
