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WITH 60 entries to choose from, the judges in the 60th annual Drogheda St Patrick’s Day Parade had a tough job to pick the winners of the various categories.
There were hundreds of men, women and children, and the odd dinosaur and cow too, in this year’s spectacular but they managed to select winners under three headings, as well as an overall winner.
Best Community/Voluntary Entry
Winner – Indian Family Association. The vibrantly coloured umbrellas carried by the members of the Indian Family Association thankfully weren’t needed; not that their delicate satin would have withstood a Drogheda deluge!
As a family organisation representing Indians in and around Drogheda, Indian Family Association (IFA) said they wanted to express and exhibit the richness of cultural diversities and heritage of India in a positive way in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Drogheda.
Runner up – Droichead Arts Centre With sponsorship from Drogheda Credit Union, Droichead Arts Centre sailed through to one of the awards with their wonderful depiction of Tall Ships in Drogheda. Their lively entry featured St. Mary’s Parish Primary School & Gaelscoil Bhradáin Feasa , the Drogheda Special Olympics, Drogheda and District Men’s Shed, & Droichead Youth Theatre.
The team behind the scenes was produced by Droichead Arts Centre, led by Kieran Gallagher, with the artistic team of Yvonne Dowd Gardiner, Vivienne Byrne, Darrin Finnegan, Breda Marron & Choreography by Tracy Martin. Joining in on the day were John McGovern & Grainne Rafferty.
Commercial Entry
Winner – Wogan Build Centre. Main sponsors Wogan Build Centre had a very innovative and apt entry, recreating the iconic “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photo. Five brave lads drove through the streets
Glen Emmets won the Best Sporting Entry for the second year in a row.
on a steel beam, but thankfully not a too dizzying heights as the original lads!
Wogan Build Centre said they are proud of their amazing community here in Drogheda.
Their float showcased the first Wogan’s store that opened in Drogheda several decades ago alongside some of the more popular landmarks our town has to offer. This symbolises much they love the town. They have seen the community grow and go from strength to strength over the decades and are proud to be part of it. Runner-up – Meade Potatoes. Growing and selling potatoes in the towns around Meath and Louth since 1977, Meade Potatoes brought truckloads of fresh spuds and carrots to the streets of the town in this year’s parade.
Best Sporting Entry
Glen Emmets
If cheers and singing was to win you the award for Best Sporting Entry, then Glen Emmets from Tullyallen had it won from the start!
Football is said to have been in place in Tullyallen sincd 1886 when Michael Cusack refereed a game in the village. The club now caters for over 24 teams with close to 300 players ranging from 4 to 40.
Overall Parade Winner
Integral Fitness and Leisure Centre took the Overall prize with their Toy Story float, which saw Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Mr Potato Head, Rex and more take to the streets to the delight of the children in the crowd.
“We are thrilled to be recognised for the effort and time that goes into these events, but more so, we are completely overwhelmed and humbled to hear from families who have reached out to us with countless stories about their kiddies reactions to the characters and creations that we designed,” said Lorraine Balfe from Integral. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible artists from DIFE college who worked tirelessly and meticulously to bring our imagination to life! Aleksa and Logan - you are beyond talented & a pleasure to work with. Your future’s are bright
“And as always the Integral staff members who walked with us on the day, and those who gave their time and talent to bringing our float to life”!