See of green!

Soccer stars help kick off celebrations in the capital

- SANDRA MALLON

A SEA of green covered Dublin city yesterday for St Patrick's Day as soccer boss Vera Pauw said she felt "humbled" to be grand marshal of the parade.

It's thought 450,000 people lined the rain-soaked streets to celebrate our patron saint.

Republic of Ireland manager Vera accompanied players Diane Caldwell and Paula Gorham in the city centre yesterday as the Grand Marshals for the parade.

They were also joined by Dallas star and international guest of honour Patrick Duffy, who celebrated his 74th birthday yesterday.

He arrived in style in the back of a 1965 Cadillac Coupe De Ville convertible.

Dressed in a glittering green Louise Kennedy suit, Vera said how "emotional" she was "as a foreigner" to be asked to be part of the big day, which celebrated the theme Mar a cheile sinn - we are one.

She added: "To me to be the grand marshal today as a foreigner, it is such a huge, huge honour.

"I'm so humbled, especially the way Ireland has supported me this difficult year.

"It makes me emotional and it makes me proud. I hope I can give back today.