Kabin Crew leads vibrant St Patrick's Day parade in Cork

Taoiseach Micheál Martin joined about 50,000 spectators at this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Cork. The Kabin Studio from Knocknaheeny, serving as grand marshals, added a special energy to the event. Children and teens from the Kabin Studio led 57 groups with around 3,000 participants through the city center. Each group performed for Lord Mayor Dan Boyle and other guests at the viewing stand on Patrick Street. Garry McCarthy from Kabin Studio expressed pride in representing Knocknaheeny and said it highlights the creativity of local youth. This year's parade theme was "Building a Better World - Celebrating the UN International Year of Co-operatives." Before the main parade, volunteer bikers from Blood Bike South warmed up the crowd, followed by the Army Band of the 1st Southern Brigade. Various local organizations participated, including dance schools, cycling groups, and the Polish School in Cork. Community members from cultures such as Mexican, Bolivian, and Indian also joined in. Among special guests were the UK Samba collective, BATALA, and the Doherty High School Spartan Marching Band from Colorado, who had just won an international band competition. A parade highlight was a giant float of St. Patrick alongside dragons and other creative displays from local arts groups. Today's event marked the peak of a four-day festival in Cork and was part of over a dozen St Patrick's Day celebrations happening across County Kerry. In Tralee, the parade celebrated the theme "Waves of Change," emphasizing environmental protection and community spirit. The Chief Executive of Tralee Chamber Alliance referred to the parade as a call to action for positive transformation. In Killarney, the festivities extended over five days. The parade focused on "Echoes of Killarney Present," with local sports figures and successful students serving as grand marshals. Overall, the St Patrick's Day celebrations in Cork, Tralee, and Killarney showcased community pride and cultural diversity, bringing people together for a festive atmosphere.