WATCH ABOVE: Luck was certainly on the side of the Irish Sunday, as a planned anarchist demonstration never really posed the threat many feared it would. Rachel Lau reports.
MONTREAL – Luck was certainly on the side of the Irish Sunday, as a planned anarchist demonstration never really posed the threat many feared it would.
“Every year we have quite an amount of security for any eventuality,” said Kevin Murphy, spokesperson of the United Irish Societies Of Montreal.
“We feel that the security we provided is adequate. The Montreal police feels it’s adequate.”
The St. Patrick’s parade livened up its usual Ste-Catherine street route.
GALLERY: Montreal Saint-Patrick’s parade
Meanwhile, just one block away on de Maisonneuve street, some gathered to take part in the notoriously violent anti-police brutality protest.
But the cries against police were far and few between.
Only about 20 protesters showed up and after a few small confrontations, the crowd dispersed.
Nevertheless, organizers of the 192nd running of the historic St. Patrick’s celebrations weren’t about to let the protest rain on their parade.
“It’s disappointing for sure,” Murphy told Global News.
“Everybody is allowed to protest when they do it legally. It’s very disappointing that they decided to do that.”
For some, St. Patrick’s Day is all about promoting another kind of safety.
“Everyone knows that if you drink too much you’re going to spoil the party,” said Hubert Sacy, Director-General of Éduc’alcool.
“If you choose to drink please do so in moderation and use public transit.”
Nevertheless, fears of violence did have an effect on the day.
Both Scouts Canada and Royal West Academy dropped out.
Some families told Global News they were aware of the planned protest.
“That’s why we’re at the beginning,” said Robert Karas.
“Hopefully we get it all over with and out of here before trouble starts up.”
“We feel good. We feel safe here,” agreed Caroline Jacques.
“We have the police there. We hope all will be right.”
In the end, it was probably the cold that affected the size of the crowd.
With a windchill factor of -25, there were several open pockets where spectators were huddled together for warmth.
WATCH: Montrealers at the St. Patrick’s Parade
Murphy points out no matter what, the show will always go on.
“We’re celebrating Irish history, the Irish in Montreal, the impact that they’ve made in the city,” he said.
“We’re celebrating Montreal completely. It’s not just about the Irish.”
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