IT WAS a day that few could have predicted, with Ireland being the newly-crowned Six Nations champions and the sun beating down from beginning to end.
But the London Irish community was doubly blessed this year as an estimated 125,000 people - a record number according to organisers - flooded the city centre to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
And it was hard to tell which bit of good fortune had brought out more people, as proudly worn Irish rugby jerseys seemed in equal supply to bare arms getting what looked like their first outing of 2014.
In any case the two had combined to put crowds in an ecstatic mood in Piccadilly Circus as they awaited the parade that kicks off festivities.
Three times they were disappointed by false starts as cyclists mistakenly passed through the cordoned-off route. But that didn’t stop them launching into ironic rhapsody, forcing the embarrassed offenders to quickly dismount and flee at the nearest junction.
Then came the parade itself, led by Irish dancing megastar Michael Flatley rather than the multi-coloured inflatable snake of previous years.
Irish revellers in London Photos: Malcolm McNallyAlongside the Chicago native were Irish Ambassador to Britain Dan Mulhall, Ireland’s Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte and Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy.
“WE LOVE YOU PAT,” shouted one green-glad woman as they marched.
But the Labour TD didn’t seem to hear, with Flatley turning to her instead, giving two thumbs up and a broad smile.
Behind them were around 80 groups, from Fr Murphy’s GAA to the Donegal Association, marking London’s rich Irish heritage. They were joined by celebrations of other cultures too, most notably a group of Bolivian dancers that brought some of the loudest cheers.
With the parade over, the crowds filtered into Trafalgar Square for the day’s entertainment.
In Pictures: London's St Patrick's Day parade - can you pick out yourself?
“I hope you all enjoy the weekend,” said Rabbitte from the stage.
“I want to tell you that things are improving back home, that the Irish people, like the rugby team yesterday, had to dig deep. But we are on the way back.”
That was followed by a pre-recorded message from London Mayor Boris Johnson, whose office funds the annual festivities, via large screens.
His voice bellowed around the square as he said austerity and cuts had put the festival in doubt.
He added triumphantly: “I am thrilled to tell you they have raided the piggybank and are putting on this fantastic parade and this festival, not just because of the family-friendly fun and the joy and the craic, but because it is vital that we celebrate the incredible contribution by the Irish community to London.”
Having fun in the sun Photos: Malcolm McNallyThen came the entertainment, with the cast of the West End incarnation of Roddy Doyle’s The Commitment’s trying to tempt the crowd out of its sun-drenched lethargy.
“Hands up if you’re Irish,” screamed the lead singer, as a miserly selection of hands raised limply.
“Hands up if you’re drunk,” he added to far greater enthusiasm.
Sensing his audience, he called for a Mexican wave that brought the sea of green to life.
The headline acts also included the Mulkere Music Academy, the cast of Once the musical and traditional Irish group Kila.
Beyond the stage, gone were most of the changes introduced last year designed to make the event more child-friendly, including stalls story-telling, face-painting and craft activities.
In their place was a Bord Bia-sponsored food market. The new addition seemed popular with the crowds, who were happy to stand in long queues for the likes of Kerrygold garlic butter baguettes and Broderick’s chocolate treats.
Even longer were the lines for alcohol along the square’s eastern flank and the queues to get in, where many were turned away.
Less busy were the stalls for London Irish charities and sports clubs.
Gary Dunne, from the panel that helps organise the event, said the changes had been made because the children’s activities had turned out to be “too messy”.
“It was an event management nightmare,” he said.
Dunne added that he was thrilled to get two sell-out West End shows into the main stage line-up this year, saying: “I am being a bit selfish there and patting myself on the back, but I am really happy with that programme.”
He was less cheered by those who, apparently due to the influence of alcohol, had jumped into the fountains and evaded attempts by security to usher them out.
“This is always a problem,” Dunne said.
“I do not want to be a wet blanket, but that is not how I want the Irish community to be represented.”
But eventually they were persuaded back onto dry land and took their place alongside others, who clapped along to a special Riverdance performance as sun set and the celebrations came to a close.
The Greater London Authority hailed the event as a huge success, estimating that around 125,000 attended the celebrations - a figure they said was a record.
In a statement they said: "London St Patrick’s Day festival was a huge success, attracting revellers of all ages for a fabulous day out.
"We estimate around 125,000 people watched the parade and attended the festival throughout the day – a record number - all having a wonderful time, with fantastic entertainment and enjoying the gorgeous sunshine."
See More: Ireland, Irish, London, St Patrick's Day
