Taoiseach Micheál Martin was among up to 50,000 spectators at this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Cork, where the Kabin Studio from Knocknaheeny, this year's grand marshals, brought their own special 'spark' to the occasion.
The Knocknaheeny-based children and teenagers led some 57 groups and 3000 participants through the city centre, past the viewing stand on Patrick Street, where each group performed for Lord Mayor councillor Dan Boyle and his guests.
Kabin Studio's Garry McCarthy said it was unbelievable to be leading the parade.
"For rap music, coming from Knocknaheeny, all of this is just putting Knocknaheeny on the map and places like the Lisdoonvarna Crew as well. It's giving youth voices weight and importance, so it just goes to show the power of creativity, so we are delighted."
The theme of this year's parade was 'Building a Better World - Celebrating the UN International Year of Co-operatives'.
As is traditional, over 20 volunteer bikers with the Blood Bike South charity set off on a pre-parade run through the city centre followed by the Army Band of the 1st Southern Brigade, who set the pace for the colourful, flamboyant and entertaining extravaganza that followed.
Community, sporting and creative organizations across the city were widely represented, including the Trish McCarthy School of Modern Dance, the Rebel Wheelers, Cycling for All Cork, the Polish School in Cork, and the Cork Volunteer Centre.
Many of the city's new communities also took part, including members of the Mexican, Bolivian, Sudanese, Indian, Ukrainian and Paraguayan communities.
Among the overseas visitors taking part in the parade were the UK Samba collective, BATALA, and the Doherty High School Spartan Marching Band from Colorado direct from their win in yesterday's Limerick International Band Championship.
Band director Angelo Sapienza said they were really enjoying their trip to Ireland.
"This is my first time out of the US, and most of theirs too. We are having a blast. I might just come back and stay. Everyone is so kind."
A giant-sized Peig, St Patrick, as well as dragons galore peppered the parade, which included floats by Spraoi of Waterford, Cork Collective Art Links and the Cork Puppetry Company.
Today's parade was the high point of what has now become a four-day festival in the city.
Over a dozen St Patrick's Day parades are taking place across the rebel county, beginning last night in Kinsale with their annual maritime parade on the water and finishing tonight in Cobh with a fireworks spectacular.
Celebrations take place across Kerry
Floats, costumes and performances reflected the sea and marine life, as the inspirations for this year's parade in Tralee, Co Kerry, highlighting the importance of protecting our oceans, beaches and environment.
Organisers said 'Waves of Change' was as much a call to action as a parade theme.
"St Patrick's Day in Tralee is more than just a parade - it’s a celebration of our community, our heritage, and our aspirations for the future," Chief Executive of Tralee Chamber Alliance Colette O’Connor, said.
"This year’s theme, 'Waves of Change', is a call to action for all of us to embrace positive transformation, whether through education, environmental responsibility, or innovation. "
Mayor of Tralee Mikey Sheehy said the St Patrick’s Day parade is one of the most eagerly-anticipated events in the town's calendar.
"It’s a time when the entire community comes together to celebrate what makes us unique," he said.
"This year’s theme is especially poignant, reminding us of our shared responsibility to care for the world around us while honouring the achievements of our youth. It’s set to be a spectacular day for all ages."
The Mayor of Holyoke in the US state of Massachusetts, Joshua A Garcia, called, he was grand marshal.
Mr Holyoke has been an official sister city of Tralee since 2017.
Also honoured were BT Young Scientist winners Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise Murphy. The three sisters, who attend Presentation Secondary School in Tralee, shared a float in the parade.
In Killarney, they have built a five-day festival around St Patrick's Day.
This afternoon's parade, with a theme of 'Echoes of Killarney Present', was the highlight.
Kerry senior footballers Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh and Gavin White and Paralympian Jordan Lee were grand marshals of the parade there.
