Cork Parade Attracts Millions

17th Mar 2011

60,000 people from all over the globe thronged the streets of Cork today for Ireland's largest community based parade. From Angola to Poland, China to the Philippines and the Congo to Kerry the Cork parade showcased the diversity of Cork as never before.

Led by the current All-Ireland football champions, and with special guest Sam McGuire, the parade brought over 2,000 participants together under the theme of 'Happiness' albeit some of our heroes looked distinctly awkward and uncomfortable in the limelight!

Cork's sporting heritage was also celebrated with GAA clubs, Cork City FC supporters, basketballers and even the new Rebel Rollers roller derby team skating through the streets of Cork.
The Cork parade featured an array of colour and talent and the winner of this year's Best Overall Entry award was The Cork Polish Association.

The festivities in Cork started at 10am with the traditional Barry's Tea Food market. A new addition to the festival, the Red Bull Currach Race, took place between St. Patrick's Bridge and Brian Boru Bridge, with a crew of (very distant) cousins from Maharees in Co. Kerry coming away with an all expenses paid trip to an international Red Bull event.

The winners of this year's parade are:
Best Overall Entry - Cork Polish Association
Best Children's Group - Indian Community
Best Music Group - Mayfield Brass Band
Best Dance Group - Fota Wildlife Park
Best Sporting Group - Rebel Wheelers/Cope
 

All photos below by Miki Barlok