An estimated quarter of a million people turn out to see the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Alexis Fitzgerald arrived by carriage to the viewing stand on O'Connell Street, accompanied by the Mayor of Amsterdam. They were joined on the VIP stand by Dublin Tourism chief Tom Stafford, Minister for the Environment Ray Burke, Dr Garret FitzGerald and many distinguished diplomats. Among the five and a half thousand visitors from abroad was 'Dallas' star Susan Howard.
An estimated quarter of a million people turned out in the morning sunshine to watch the processions and the marching bands.
There was top class entertainment from abroad especially from the American high school bands. The Boston Police Force, who pride themselves on their Irishness, also made their traditional appearance. Among the homegrown entertainment were the Can Can Girls of Whitefriar Street in Dublin and a float from Macra na Feirme.
The sunshine faded and was replaced by a heavy downfall of hailstones. However, the parade went on regardless. The weather lifted again and the sun burst through in time for the grand finale with Bishop Kearney's High School Band from Rochester in New York who were once again the marching band champions of the parade.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 17 March 1982. The reporter is Caroline Erskine.
