FRIENDS OF THE HOSPITAL TO LEAD THE WAY
THIS year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Gorey starts as normal at 3 p.m., but there’s a change.
All parade entries will gather beforehand at a new staging area on the new link road which connects the Carnew Road, Hollyfort Road and Fort Road.
The parade committee advises that there are no road closures planned on the day, but diversions will be in place while the parade is moving down past The Monument, McCurtain Street, Main Street and dispersing after the review stand on Esmonde Street. The parade will be led by this year’s grand marshals, the hard-working committee of The Friends of Gorey District Hospital who are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.
The winners of fifteen prizes will be decided by those on the review stand, and they will be given out from the review stand immediately after the parade.
Also announced will be the shop window competition winner. The town’s windows will be judged on the morning of March 17. All local businesses are encouraged to go green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
There will be a strong musical presence during this year’s parade with Gorey Pipe Band, the Tallaght Vikings Youth Band, Sonna Samba, Bloco Gorman, St Kevin’s Band, and Brazilian group Maracatu Alcateia.
New entrants this year will include; the Gorey BMX Club; Shine Bright Theatre; and a vintage entry from Wicklow which will transport a newly married couple the day after their wedding in The Amber Springs Hotel.
The committee is delighted to welcome back many sporting groups which will show the great range of facilities and activities in Gorey and the surrounding areas. Many local businesses will also be represented. Community groups such as the Gorey Polish Community and Ferns CCE are expected to follow on from their award winning entries of last year.
The organisers also expect a few UFO’s to turn up on the day. Stewards are needed to help at the parade. Contact the committee through the Gorey St Patrick’s Day Parade Facebook page, or call into Halford’s Hair Studio on Main Street.