Paddy's Day Peaceful

Saint Patrick's Day festivities passed off without incident this year with 'conflict' being limited to the sporting arena.

Traditional 17th March events saw Ballymena Academy winning 10-7 in a hard-fought victory over Belfast Royal Academy in a thrilling School's Cup final at Ravenhill.

It was also a big day for sport with competitive action in the three finals, as well as a busy day at Down Royal races.

In GAA, St Colman's, Newry claimed the MacRory Cup with a 1-14 to 1-08 victory over Omagh CBS.

Off the field, about 1,000 people took part in a street carnival in Belfast where giant colourful floats, joined by stilt walkers and mythical characters, made their way down Royal Avenue from the City Hall, to the delight of the crowd.

During celebrations in 2009, the student area of the Holy Lands in south Belfast erupted into street violence as police struggled to deal with troublemakers - but this year - it was absent.

Instead, those attending the main parade saw a huge boat depicting St Patrick's landing in Ireland and there was no shortage of youngsters enjoying the fun dressed as leprechauns.

The parade ended at Custom House Square where teenage rapper Chipmunk headlined a concert.

Revellers were also treated to performances from X Factor starlet Ruth Lorenzo, traditional music from Flook and Session Beats and K1, Romania's chart-topping band.

St Patrick's Day was also celebrated in the city with a BBC concert at Belfast Waterfront Hall, while there was Irish dancing and music at St George's Market.

In the Saint's traditional home, Downpatrick, a cross-community parade with the theme, 'The Sun, The Moon and The Stars', made its way through the town and an event at St Patrick's Square was compered by U105's George Jones. The traditional church service also took place at Down Cathedral.

Also, thousands of walkers celebrated St Patrick's Day in a more energetic way in Ballymena by climbing Slemish – the mountain the saint was reputed to have herded sheep on.

(BMCC/GK)