St. Patrick's Day Draws 500,000 To Dublin For Festivities

DUBLIN -- About half a million people have packed central Dublin for a St. Patrick's Day parade that points out Ireland's current gloomy mood – and seeks to sweep it away for a day.

The procession is the largest of 120 across Ireland, a nation reeling from a three-year recession and a debt crisis that has led to an international bailout.

Thursday's parade for the first time is built around a children's short story by author Roddy Doyle especially written for the event.

His story "Brilliant" tells the tale of how children banish the Black Dog of Depression from Dublin and reclaim the city's lost funny bone.

Doyle calls it an allegory for Ireland's current challenges and says he wrote it under the shadow of Ireland's November bailout.

Comments

[nofriendofrepublicans]

06:48 PM on 03/19/2011

"Dammit dad, I told you that hat made you look fat."

[ProudMilVet]

10:18 PM on 03/18/2011

I wonder if those are Americans ?

[MexiChick67]

05:20 PM on 03/21/2011

Where do you think many White American's come from?

[jws2346]

01:47 PM on 03/18/2011

I think this celebrating St Pats day is fantastic. I have just one question? Are there over weight Leprechauns?

[totaldisbelief]

11:28 AM on 03/18/2011

that guy in the photo can wear all the green he can find...he'still not going to get laid.

[nofriendofrepublicans]

06:49 PM on 03/19/2011

I don't know, she looks like she's ready to go.

[rbenjamin]

08:09 AM on 03/18/2011

This photo is an affront to the Irish, Cowboys and Leprechauns.

[KIVPossum]

01:07 PM on 03/17/2011

Who wants to watch a parade? Stake out a good table in a well-stocked bar and enjoy the evening with your friends

[ontariogirl]

12:27 PM on 03/17/2011

I'd love to be in Dublin at the parade right now. Slainte!

[Seaniebhoy]

12:55 PM on 03/17/2011

Not me...I'l leave it to the young ones. Paddy's day starts off well enough, but by half 6 in the evening the disgraceful behavior of the students really begins.

[ontariogirl]

01:13 PM on 03/17/2011

Oh no I'd be with you. I like to enjoy but not over indulge. Been there......done that. I'd just love to go to Ireland. Never been.