It’s a strange kind of Paddy’s day this year.
With no bars, no parades and no clubs, a challenge has been presented to the people of Ireland today. Yes, it’s March 17—a day most of us would spend in town and/or at the pub—but now, due to moves to stop the spread of Covid-19, we have to adapt.
And, shocker, we’ve done just that. The virtual parade is here! Did you really doubt the Irish faithful? You shouldn’t have for a second. The St. Patrick’s Day show must go on!
No #StPatricksDay parades today due to #CoronavirusOutbreak
We decided to try & cheer you all up with our very own #FarmParade for #LaFheilePadraig
Where ever you are in the world today, tweet us a photo of you with your Irish Flag 🇮🇪 #FutureofFarming #RTEVirtualParade pic.twitter.com/hZFTwvn8A1
— Peter hynes🐄🇮🇪 #TeamHynes (@Peterhynes15) March 17, 2020
RTE has come up with the brilliant idea of creating a hashtag to get people in St Paddy’s spirit, and share their garden celebrations. Go to #RTEVirtualParade to check out all the parades, or use the tag yourself on Twitter and Instagram to share your festivities! We can all enjoy a Guinness at home. After all, that’s what the ball in the can was brought to us for, right?
Anyway, the results of this are as glorious as you’d expect, and a much-needed distraction to lift the mood in this difficult period. Here are some of our favourites. Long live the virtual parade!
Obsessed with this window near me #paddys_panes #RTEVirtualParade pic.twitter.com/DIlvYqJ2ko
— Sarah Breen 🙅🏼♀️ (@SarahJayBee) March 17, 2020
#RTEVirtualParade #Proudtobeirish This is our own mini #StPatricksDay Parade – Eoghan & Duke getting Cabin Fever! Best Wishes Everyone – #StaySafe & Let’s hope with the Luck of the Irish we get through this in a few weeks. Look after each other ❤️❤️❤️❤️☘️☘️☘️☘️ pic.twitter.com/VMn2qOwlEQ
— Dr Tom Clonan (@TomClonan) March 17, 2020
Can’t let a pandemic stop the parade over here in Co. Clare ☘️ Happy St. Patrick’s day #virtualparade #RTEVirtualParade #StPatricksDay2020 pic.twitter.com/CNit7lMYKh
— Nicola O’ Halloran (@nikkioh101) March 17, 2020
Happy St. Patrick’s Day ☘️☘️☘️ from Co. Clare #virtualparade #RTEVirtualParade pic.twitter.com/ft5BYqT2Od
— orlaith corr (@CorrOrlaith) March 17, 2020
A St Patrick’s Day that won’t be forgotten. It was good to 🤣 doing our #RTEVirtualParade this morning. TJ & Frankie 🐻 definitely enjoyed it. pic.twitter.com/6hmSDfMxYu
— Caroline Brosnihan (@DietitianCNDC) March 17, 2020
There we have it. A great time for all. Have a relaxing St. Patrick’s Day, stay safe and, remember, #RTEVirtualParade. I think they’ve won the internet today.