North Atlantic Skyline - - Photographs from the west of Ireland (Galway, Mayo, Clare, Limerick, Roscommon and even Leitrim)

Sounds like Teen Spirit

Apparently, over seven hundred people were arrested over St. Patrick's Day for the usual drink-related foolishness, though I didn't hear Galway mentioned in any of them. There was no shortage of drinking in the city, mind. Even at 3pm, the space between High St. and Quay St. had become one giant outdoor bar (with ten Gardaí watching at the end of Quay St.) - God knows what it was like by midnight. Spirits were no doubt dampened a tad by Athenry's defeat in Croke Park but not by much.

Spirits were higher in the parade itself, particularly since the rain held off. Every school child in the city, seemed to be there and I have nothing but admiration for the parents and teachers who managed to keep the assembled moppets amused for the hour or so while they waited in line on Fr. Griffin Road for the parade to start.

I'm going to post a gallery of shots from the parade onto Flickr at some point during the week (assuming that Eircom keeps it's promise and installs my broadband on Wednesday - I'm still waiting for the modem to arrive). Two participants that got a huge reaction from the kids were a couple of elephants. (You know you're taking your hobby a bit too seriously when you start to have thoughts like "Hmm I'm standing here with two cameras- if one of those elephants runs amok, I'm going to get some great shots). Funnily enough, when the greyhound club walked their dogs in the parade, they were all on leads and muzzled. The elephants, on the other hand, had neither leads, chain or any other tether, and shuffled behind their trainer through the crowds with nary a restraint.

UPDATE: I've uploaded a few photos to Flickr. Click on the link on the left (under the References) to view them.

Posted by Monasette at March 21, 2005 03:56 PM