No Grand Parade but Cork people unite to fly the flag for St Patrick's Day
A quiet South Mall in Cork with no parade being held on St. Patrick's Day due to Covid-19.Picture Denis Minihane.
Echo reporters
The streets of Cork and other Irish cities were quiet on St Patrick’s Day in sharp contrast to the usual lively festivities.
Cork on St. Patrick's dayPicture: Eddie O'HarePictured at the St Patricks day car parade at Bandon Co Cork was chief steward and Bandon girl guides member Victoria Smucere. Picture Denis Boyle
The usual colourful parades that attract thousands were called off following medical advice for social distancing to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Pictured at St Patricks Church Bandon Co Cork for the St Patrick,s day car parade was James, Emily and Lucy O'Flynn. Picture Denis Boyle
Individual Cork communities and families celebrated in unique ways while staying true to the all-important guidelines on social distancing.
Donnacha and Harry O'Brien, at the alternative St Patrick's Day car parade, organised by the children's playground committee in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork.Picture: David Keane.
Cork City Lord Mayor John Sheehan commended the people of Cork for their innovation and humour in the face of such difficult times.
Mary, Stephen, Darcy and Reeva Lynch from Cobh with Bruce the dog out walking on St Patrick’s Day in Summercove, CorkPic Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
“People respected the guidelines but celebrated in their own ways, in their homes and gardens, and it was quite uplifting to see,” he said. “These are difficult and worrying times for many, so it is so important that at moments like this people keep their spirits up.”
Pictured at the St Patrick,s day car parade at Bandon Co Cork was Roisín McKenna getting into the festive spirit. Picture Denis Boyle
Normally, the St Patrick’s Day Mass in the North Cathedral is a joyous celebration with a large crowd but yesterday, the Lord Mayor and his family were the only attendees, representing the people of Cork. Mr Sheehan joined Bishops Fintan Gavin and Paul Colton in offering a message of hope to all watching the ceremony online.
Italian and Irish flags together at Soho Bar and Grill, South Mall, Cork City on St Patrick’s Day in Blackrock, CorkPic Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
Catholic primate Archbishop Eamon Martin celebrated a live-streamed Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, during which he urged an “outpouring of the works of mercy towards the sick and vulnerable, and for a spirit of generosity and self-sacrifice, compassion and charity in Ireland, and across the world”.
Pictured at the St Patrick,s day car parade at Bandon Co Cork was Martina Masavikova and her boys Adriann and Sebastian. Picture Denis Boyle
The Defence Forces sent a St Patrick’s Day message from south Lebanon and from Syria, where they are serving on peacekeeping duties. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hurley, officer commanding of the 115 Infantry Battalion, said they are making every effort to minimise the impact of coronavirus.
Vicky O’Callagha and daughter Ruby out walking on Patrick’s Day in CorkPic Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
“The Lebanese authorities have taken unprecedented measures to prevent the spread of the virus,” he said. “In the meantime, peace support operations will continue as normal.”
Lieutenant Paul Murphy said leave has been cancelled for many troops.
Pictured at the St Patrick,s day car parade at Bandon Co Cork was Joe McCarthy from Bandon. Picture Denis Boyle
“Due to the coronavirus, many of our troops will not be returning home on leave,” he said. “We would like to thank our families and loved ones at this difficult time for their love and support.”
JD Stefanian with son Sean-Didier and mom Val Lynch on St Patrick’s Day in Blackrock, CorkPic Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
Meanwhile, the annual global greening initiative in which famous buildings around the world are lit up to mark St Patrick’s Day continued, including Madison Square Garden in New York, City Hall in Bangkok, the Palace Bridge in St Petersburg, the London Eye, Burj al Arab, Niagara Falls, and the famous Welcome sign in Las Vegas.
Johanna Smijders out walking on The Lough, Cork City on St Patrick’s Day in CorkPic Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said he hoped the move would “bring a little positivity and hope to people everywhere”.
At the Cathedral of St Mary and St. Anne, Bishop of Cork & Ross Bishop Fintan Gavin, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr John Sheehan and Bishop of Cork Cloyne and Ross Paul Colton. Sending St Patricks Day Messages to all. Picture, Tony O'Connell.
