SAVE OUR PARADE!

Future of St Patrick’s Day event remains in jeopardy following EGM

GOREY town could be facing a future without a St Patrick’s Day Parade, following an emergency general meeting last week where the turnout was described as disappointing.

The sparse crowd at the Loch Garman Arms was told that a significant increase in parade committee members and event volunteers was needed to ensure the event remains on the Gorey calendar.

The current committee of six held the EGM to highlight the struggles they face each year to ensure the St Patrick’s Day Parade is staged.

Despite the poor turnout at the meeting, parade secretary Claire Urquhart said the fight was strong with many giving positive feedback and ideas. Diarmuid Deverux of Gorey Chamber agreed to seek help from local businesses, while Cllr Malcolm Byrne, chairman Cllr John Hegarty and Cllr Robbie Ireton agreed to approach the local authorities on the supports needed to keep the parade going in Gorey.

The meeting was held due to two major concerns that have brought the committee to question their future involvement in the Gorey Parade.

The first is the health and safety conditions that need to be met to secure the safe running of the parade and their personal liability should any incident happen. They have approached Wexford County Council in relation to these issues.

The other is the need for more creativity in the Gorey Parade. In recent years they have just focused getting the parade down the town safely and the creative aspect has been neglected.

‘We are currently working on developing a creative team as well, but still need all the local people to come along and support the future of the parade in Gorey town,’ added Claire.

Claire said further discussions with elected representatives and local authority are being planned.

It was stressed that the parade is for the people of Gorey and the committee are so proud of their town and the local organisations and businesses, but they need to work hard to keep it going.

To join the committee or to volunteer, call Claire on 087 756 2827.

Gorey St Patrick’s Day parade committee members Dermot Maguire, treasurer; Claire Urquhart, secretary and Robert Kinsella, chairperson, at last week’s EGM.