Mayo communities celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style

HUNDREDS of people, young and old, turned out in communities across Mayo today to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Parades were staged in 26 towns and villages, including Kilkelly and Cong for the first time.

The first parade of the day started at 6 a.m. in Achill and it involved pipe bands representing different areas of Achill.

The latest parade, hosted by Crossmolina, got underway at 7.30 p.m. and it is a festival of lights.

For the most part the weather was reasonable apart from a few heavy showers.

Most parade organisers were happy with the turnout at their events, which maintain a tradition going back many decades.