Gallery: Ballyshannon parade spares no effort in taking the 'Green' route

It was a little overcast but that certainly did not dampen either the enthusiasm or spirit of the crowds or the participants at the annual St Patrick's Day parade in Ballyshannon. 

The parade started at Allingham Park with the usual route down the Back street, out Belleek Road, back up East Port, over Bridge to the Market Yard, just after 2pm.

The theme was "celebrating Irish Art and Culture" and there was an emphasis on "Green action"/ being kind to our environment, with a special prize for the person or group most "Green". 

Festival parade celebrations continued afterwards in Dorrian's Hotel with the prizes for best floats and participants also being handed out. A huge effort was also made by local businesses, who adorned all their windows with a Green, St Patrick's theme.

The bands included the Letterbreen Silver Band, the Ballindarragh Accordion Band, the Cooneen Pipe Band, the Moybrane Pipe and the Unstoppable street band (former name Samba band). Floats included the Domican Academy of Irish Dancing, Castle Adventure Open Farm, Aodh Ruadh Underage Football participants and the winning ladies team as well, Columba Carr (vintage car), Donegal Water safety, Saimer Community Childcare, Gael Scoil Eirne, Marlin Swimming Club, the local Bingo club, the Ballyshannon Rugby Club and a host of local Vintage cars and Tractors as well as Bee Green, the Squash Club, Colaiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon Agricultural Show, Dunmuckrum Dog Kennels and Cattery, the Ballyshannon Fire Engine, local Business vans/advertisement.

MC was the charismatic Billy Grimes and the Judges on the day were Mary Daly, Mai Kelly and Kelly Marie McColgan.