Thousands turn out for parades

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In Stepaside, author and producer Andrea hayes was MC for the Stepaside parade again this year.

In Rathcoole, this year’s parade began at 1.30pm with the theme of our Planet, our home.

In Swords, locals were dressed in green along the parade route at the earlier time of 11am as the parade kicked off in the rain from Colaiste Choilm. St Finian’s GAA were selected to lead this year’s parade with the club’s 40th birthday as the theme.

The parade in Balbriggan started at noon from Bremore Castle before finishing up on Dublin Street.

The Malahide parade set off at 2pm from Malahide Road onto Main Street. Celebrations continued at the nearby Naomh Mearnóg GAA club.