Ireland's earliest St Patrick’s Day parade has taken place in Dingle Daingean Uí Chúis in Co Kerry, where the local fife and drum band took to the streets at 6am.
The tradition dates back to the Land War of the 1870s when British authorities banned gatherings between sunrise and sunset.
Up to 30 members of the Dingle Fife and Drum Band led hundreds of early risers as they weaved their way through the dark streets of the west Kerry town.
The shrill sounds of the fife and the rousing beats and rolls of the drums echoed across the town, as locals appear in windows and doorways to enjoy the familiar sights and sounds of tradition.
Band member Tom Lynch said the early morning parade is very much part of the town’s identity:
"This is a special morning for the people of Dingle and west Kerry. It’s something that goes back generations and it’s a tradition that is worth keeping up."
"It goes back to the Land War when the British tried to ban any kind of gathering. In order to get around the law the people of Dingle decided to set off on their parade before sunrise. And we’re still at it."
The Dingle Fife and Drum Band has seen a significant growth in interest amongst young musicians in recent years. Aoife Granville, who has been involved in encouraging the younger generation to get involved, points to an element of pride in being part of the occasion.
"The tunes we play are very much associated with the band. It’s a specific set list, a mixture of old marches, slides, polkas. The band has been playing the same tunes for generations." says Ms Granville.
"This however, is the only time during the year that the band plays 'St Patrick’s' and that’s no harm because the notes rise very high and it’s difficult to play!" she laughs.
A mackerel dawn fills the sky over the Conor Pass as the parade arrived at Dingle church, where the band played one last tune before entering for early morning Mass.
Fergus Ó Flaithbheartaigh who has been the driving force behind the fife and drum band for decades is delighted with the turnout.
But, while most are pleased with the fine calm dry conditions the morning gifted, Fergus sees things differently: "Yerrah, 'tis too fine. I'd prefer a bad morning. There’s nothing better than facing in to lashing rain and driving wind and trying to play through that. You can't bate a bit of hardship."
