Solidarity with Ukraine displayed at Mayo parades

Thousands of people turned out in Mayo yesterday to attend St. Patrick's Day parades throughout the county.

Up to 15,000 lined the streets of Castlebar for one of the biggest events in the town's history.

There were also big attendances in Ballina, Westport, Swinford, Ballinrobe, Belmullet, Kiltimagh, Balla, Kilkelly, Newport, Charlestown, Shrule, Mulranny and Bangor as sunshine broke out in the afternoon after an inclement morning.

It was a clear signal that people were joyful at the return to normality following two years of Covid lockdowns and restrictions.

The Dooagh Pipe Band in Achlll marked its 75th anniversary during the community's parade.

Solidarity with Ukraine was displayed at all of the 14 parades across Mayo with the country's national flag colours of blue and yellow very prominent.

A group representing the people of Ukraine marched in the Castlebar parade.

They carried a banner reading "Go Raibh Mile Maith Agat" to thank the people of Mayo for their support since war broke out in their national.

The parades in Castlebar and Ballina came to a standstill in solidarity with Ukraine as Castlebar Concert Band performed the Ukraine National Anthem, 'Shche ne vmerla Ukrainas'.

Deputy Dara Calleary thanked the band for the gesture.

He also praised the outstanding work of parade organising committees and their volunteers throughout the county.

A fireworks display in Ballina and the Festival of Lights in Crossmolina completed a memorable day of St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Mayo.

* See next Tuesday's issue of The Connaught Telegraph for extensive photographic coverage of the parades across Mayo.