Menu
18/03/2010
Paddy's Day Peaceful
Saint Patrick's Day festivities passed off without incident this year with 'conflict' being limited to the sporting arena.
Traditional 17th March events saw Ballymena Academy winning 10-7 in a hard-fought victory over Belfast Royal Academy in a thrilling School's Cup final at Ravenhill.
It was also a big day for sport with competitive action in the three finals, as well as a busy day at Down Royal races.
In GAA, St Colman's, Newry claimed the MacRory Cup with a 1-14 to 1-08 victory over Omagh CBS.
Off the field, about 1,000 people took part in a street carnival in Belfast where giant colourful floats, joined by stilt walkers and mythical characters, made their way down Royal Avenue from the City Hall, to the delight of the crowd.
During celebrations in 2009, the student area of the Holy Lands in south Belfast erupted into street violence as police struggled to deal with troublemakers - but this year - it was absent.
Instead, those attending the main parade saw a huge boat depicting St Patrick's landing in Ireland and there was no shortage of youngsters enjoying the fun dressed as leprechauns.
The parade ended at Custom House Square where teenage rapper Chipmunk headlined a concert.
Revellers were also treated to performances from X Factor starlet Ruth Lorenzo, traditional music from Flook and Session Beats and K1, Romania's chart-topping band.
St Patrick's Day was also celebrated in the city with a BBC concert at Belfast Waterfront Hall, while there was Irish dancing and music at St George's Market.
In the Saint's traditional home, Downpatrick, a cross-community parade with the theme, 'The Sun, The Moon and The Stars', made its way through the town and an event at St Patrick's Square was compered by U105's George Jones. The traditional church service also took place at Down Cathedral.
Also, thousands of walkers celebrated St Patrick's Day in a more energetic way in Ballymena by climbing Slemish – the mountain the saint was reputed to have herded sheep on.
(BMCC/GK)
Traditional 17th March events saw Ballymena Academy winning 10-7 in a hard-fought victory over Belfast Royal Academy in a thrilling School's Cup final at Ravenhill.
It was also a big day for sport with competitive action in the three finals, as well as a busy day at Down Royal races.
In GAA, St Colman's, Newry claimed the MacRory Cup with a 1-14 to 1-08 victory over Omagh CBS.
Off the field, about 1,000 people took part in a street carnival in Belfast where giant colourful floats, joined by stilt walkers and mythical characters, made their way down Royal Avenue from the City Hall, to the delight of the crowd.
During celebrations in 2009, the student area of the Holy Lands in south Belfast erupted into street violence as police struggled to deal with troublemakers - but this year - it was absent.
Instead, those attending the main parade saw a huge boat depicting St Patrick's landing in Ireland and there was no shortage of youngsters enjoying the fun dressed as leprechauns.
The parade ended at Custom House Square where teenage rapper Chipmunk headlined a concert.
Revellers were also treated to performances from X Factor starlet Ruth Lorenzo, traditional music from Flook and Session Beats and K1, Romania's chart-topping band.
St Patrick's Day was also celebrated in the city with a BBC concert at Belfast Waterfront Hall, while there was Irish dancing and music at St George's Market.
In the Saint's traditional home, Downpatrick, a cross-community parade with the theme, 'The Sun, The Moon and The Stars', made its way through the town and an event at St Patrick's Square was compered by U105's George Jones. The traditional church service also took place at Down Cathedral.
Also, thousands of walkers celebrated St Patrick's Day in a more energetic way in Ballymena by climbing Slemish – the mountain the saint was reputed to have herded sheep on.
(BMCC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
28 February 2022
10-Day St Patrick's Day Celebrations Announced
Belfast City Council has announced a series of events to mark St Patrick's Day, with an extended programme from 10-20 March.
10-Day St Patrick's Day Celebrations Announced
Belfast City Council has announced a series of events to mark St Patrick's Day, with an extended programme from 10-20 March.
16 March 2004
Project launched to look into St Patrick's Day events
A new project, being launched fittingly on Wednesday, marks the start of work by a team of researchers at Queen’s University Belfast into the variety of St Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world. 'On St. Patrick’s Day everybody is Irish' is an oft-quoted cry by the organisers of St. Patrick’s Day parades around the globe.
Project launched to look into St Patrick's Day events
A new project, being launched fittingly on Wednesday, marks the start of work by a team of researchers at Queen’s University Belfast into the variety of St Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world. 'On St. Patrick’s Day everybody is Irish' is an oft-quoted cry by the organisers of St. Patrick’s Day parades around the globe.
25 February 2020
Belfast St Patrick's Day Celebrations Announced
A carnival parade and free open-air concert are among Belfast City Council's plans for St Patrick's Day in the city. The event on Tuesday 17 March will see chart-topping act Cascada perform at Custom House Square.
Belfast St Patrick's Day Celebrations Announced
A carnival parade and free open-air concert are among Belfast City Council's plans for St Patrick's Day in the city. The event on Tuesday 17 March will see chart-topping act Cascada perform at Custom House Square.
01 March 2012
Belfast's St Patrick's Day Celebrations Will Have The X Factor
Belfast's St Patrick's Day celebrations will have the X factor this year with a massive line up of music, dancing and street entertainment that will bring the city to life.
Belfast's St Patrick's Day Celebrations Will Have The X Factor
Belfast's St Patrick's Day celebrations will have the X factor this year with a massive line up of music, dancing and street entertainment that will bring the city to life.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
