ABOUT 35,000 attended the 20th anniversary of the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Brisbane last weekend despite a little rain.
They lined the streets of Brisbane’s CBD whistling, cheering and clapping for 800 slightly soggy but still smiling parade participants.
Queensland Irish Association president Eamon Gaffney said given the historical affinity the Irish community had with farming, you would be hard pressed to find a complaint about rain.
“At least it was lovely and cool for all the mums and dads and children who didn’t seem to care because they were so well entertained,” Mr Gaffney said.
“We are just delighted with the turnout and it really did exceed our expectations so I am extremely proud of all those involved in this year’s 20th anniversary event.”
A highlight of the Saturday parade was a pause outside Queensland Irish Association headquarters Tara House in Elizabeth Street where Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman took the official salute alongside Queensland Government Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel.
Mr Gaffney said the popularity of the parade proved just how many Queenslanders were keen to celebrate their Irish heritage.
“More than 42 per cent of Australians lay claim to some Irish ancestry and wear their green on St Patrick’s Day, an occasion which marks the death of Ireland’s patron saint in the 4th century,” he said.
“Irish culture has been a major influence in the development of Queensland and the parade is a way of celebrating the Irish contribution to the Australian way of life.”
