Kinlough in Co Leitrim marked a double milestone this St Patrick's Day, hosting the village’s first-ever parade - and Ireland’s earliest - at midnight.
As the clock struck midnight, Kinlough came alive with tractors, floats and music as the village gathered to mark its first St Patrick’s Day parade.
St Patrick led the celebration through the north Leitrim village on a vintage Ferguson 20 tractor backed by participants from local businesses, sporting clubs, youth organisations and community groups.
As the parade returned to the local community centre, the Melvin Gaels Mothers and Others football team filled the village with song, with a rousing rendition of Lovely Leitrim.
Cllr Justin Warnock, Chairperson of Kinlough Community Development Company said the parade was a "great success" and the first St Patrick’s Day parade in Ireland.
"This is a big night for Kinlough as it's our first ever St Patrick’s Day parade, but it’s also the first in Ireland," the councillor said.
"I'm very proud of the way that it went tonight; the number of groups that got involved, the number of floats, it has been a phenomenal night. It's great for our community.
"We're a very new community. There was 280 people living in Kinlough 25 years ago; today, we have 1,300 people. We’re one of the largest villages in Leitrim, Cllr Warnock said.
"I was shocked to see so many people out on the streets. It’s after midnight and people are out supporting us. It’s good for the young and old," Cllr Warnock added.
Carmel Gillespie from Kinlough said that it was special to see a parade in her home village.
"It never would have happened before - it means everything to us," she said.
Julie Mahon, who travelled from Ballyshannon described the event as "brilliant".
"It was a great turnout. I thought there would be nobody there as it was on so late, but it was brilliant," she said.
Dara McGloin from Ballyshannon commended the community effort and the tractor run that opened the parade.
"It’s great for the community. The first parade in Ireland - fair play to Kinlough," he said.
Katie Carty from Bundoran said it was great to see the community come together, adding that "Kinlough doesn’t usually have much on, so it’s great to see everyone out."
Jenny McGloin from Ballyshannon said the weather added to the occasion, adding: "it was lovely to see the community come together – young, old and everyone in between."
Louise Brandley from Kinlough said the late-night timing added to the atmosphere - "it was great craic - at 12 o’clock at night, where else would you get it!" she said.
John Cullen, visiting from Maine, said he was delighted to experience the parade.
"It’s spring break in America so we came here. We heard there was a parade tonight. It’s great to celebrate the first parade in Ireland on St Patrick’s Day," he said.
A memorable night for the north Leitrim village.
"It’s brilliant," Sean Lipsett told RTÉ News.
"It’s also our mother’s 80th birthday, so we’re doing the double. We might have a few starry eyes tomorrow," he said.
