All geared up for Ardee’s big start at 3pm
THIS year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Ardee on Saturday promises to be a celebration of everything Mid Louth.
The parade starts off at 3pm from the Fair Green and again all entries are asked to be there in plenty of time for the big start.
The Irish Coast Guard will provide the colour party and the Ardee Concert Band will again play a leading role.
In total there are five bands expected to take part.
Local man Colman O’Flynn will be the Grand Marshall and the organisers are delighted that he has accepted the honorary role.
Colman, who has been in the pharmacy business for many decades in Ardee, has been a wonderful community leader as well in that time and has done much for the promotion of Ardee.
The reviewing stand will be outside Centra as normal.
All the local community groups are expected to take part, including from the world of the GAA, soccer, rugby as well as the Girl Guides.
One of the highlights for the younger viewers each year is the level of machinery on show.
Fergal Kerr, chairman of the organising committee, says there will be something for everyone, especially the children.
‘We’ll have sweets and flags and plan to have music on the streets from 1.30pm to add to the occasion.
‘ The parade is always popular and I’m sure it will get plenty of support again.’