TODAY is traditionally a day of festivities for anyone of Irish heritage, a time to celebrate our shared identity and rich cultural history.
Restrictions during the Covid pandemic mean it is the first time since 2019 that the sounds and colours of parades will return to our streets and the lively social scene around St Patrick's Day can resume.
However, for anyone with a connection to the Greenvale Hotel tragedy on this day three years ago, memories of those devastating events will still be raw.
Three teenagers - Morgan Barnard (17), Lauren Bullock (17) and Connor Currie (16) - died in a crush outside a disco at the Cookstown venue and for their families, life can never be the same again. Many other young people also remain traumatised by what they witnessed that night.
In today's edition, the family of Lauren Bullock speak about their heartbreak and how they learned the terrible news of their daughter's death.
Mary Bullock movingly describes a "kind-hearted, good girl" who loved to help others and was determined to become a social worker so she could care for vulnerable children.
She also tells of the panic attacks and painful memories that accompany this week, saying: "It's like a chunk of your heart has been ripped out and it will never be replaced."
The Bullocks have experienced every parent's worst nightmare and three years on, it is a matter of concern that they and other relatives still await answers about events that night and what lessons can be learned.
The Police Ombudsman said last week that five PSNI officers had been interviewed under caution and a file sent to the Public Prosecution Service. A file linked to 11 other people was also handed over last year.
The Police Federation has been among those to express frustration at the time the investigation has taken and support a wider inquiry into the causes and responses to the crush.
Meanwhile, while the families await news from authorities, they have been keeping the precious memories of their loved ones alive.
The Bullocks speak today of their pride that two classrooms have been built at a school in Tanzania in honour of their daughter with the charity Children in Crossfire.
It is a fitting way to celebrate Lauren's short but inspirational life and as we mark the patron saint's day today, we should keep in our thoughts the pain of the Bullock, Currie and Barnard families and all those affected by the Greenvale tragedy.
