St Patrick's Day Success Despite Trouble

A number of anti-social incidents have failed to upset the St Patrick's day celebrations in Ireland.

An estimated 675,000 people lined the streets of Dublin for the annual St Patrick's Day parade.

The event, which included 2,000 performers and over 900 marching band members, was one of many taking place around the country - and across the globe - to mark the day.

President Mary McAleese was in attendance, and the spectacle was broadcast live on RTÉ 1 television.

However, there were a number of incidents in Dublin following the St Patrick's Day festivities, including some minor attacks on fire brigades.

Dublin Fire Brigade said 22 car fires and 18 other fires associated with anti-social behaviour were among the calls answered between 6pm on Tuesday and 3am this morning.

It was also reported that 200 ambulance calls were also received.

In Belfast, five people have been charged after disturbances in the Holylands student area.

Trouble started on Tuesday afternoon when police moved in to clear people who had gathered on a street during St Patrick's Day celebrations.

However, the mini 'riot' was in stark contrast to the scene in Belfast city centre - which was transformed into a sea of colour and music.

Hundreds lined the route from the City Hall to Custom House Square, where Dungiven X-Factor star Quigg delighted the crowds.

See: Saint's Day Success, Despite Students' 'Riot'

(DW/BMcC)