ALL THE LOCAL PARADES
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THE YOUNG dancers of 2 Many Dance Moves won the best walking group prize for the explosion of colour they brought to this year’s New Ross St Patrick’s Day Parade.
With an Orange weather warning in place, crowds were down this year, but that didn’t stop the participating groups from keeping spirits high as they cheered their way through the town.
The parade began at the earlier time of 1 p.m. with groups leaving from Irishtown before passing the Three Bullet Gate where excellent music was performed.
The grand marshal for this year’s parade was Brian MacMahon, who was a primary school teacher and principal in the town for over 40 years. In keeping with 45 years of tradition, the music man marched with the New Ross & District Pipe Band down to the quay.
MC Tom Doyle welcomed the hundreds of people lining the quayfront, including children sporting Ireland jerseys and tricolour mohawks.
Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council Willie Fitzharris, District Manager Sinead Casey, Chairman of the Regional Assembly Cllr Larry O’Brien, Lions Club President Myles Courtney and Rev Ivan Dungan were among the dignatories on the stage.
Cllr Fitzharris thanked everyone who came out and braved the cold to see the parade. ‘Now we know who the brave people of New Ross are,’ he said, before complimenting the organisers on all of the work they put into the parade, including Cllr Anthony Connick.
Cllr Fitzharris also thanked the gardaí, stewards and sponsors. St Joseph’s Athletic’s Club’s plaster heads turnen heads as they marked 50 years of the club, while Mary Hayes’s sublime Spartan 1982 car also caused a stir.
One farmer was seen driving a tractor with one hand in his pocket to keep warm, while there was also a float with a massive banner image of the new Barrow Bridge.
The following are the awards: Best Walking Group: 2 Many Dance Moves, Best Float: Cumas New Ross, Most Original Costume: New Ross Educate Together, Best Vintage Group: Tullogher Rosbercon Vintage and Classic Cars Club, Adjudicator’s Award: New Ross Town FC, Best Shop Window: The Bakehouse, Best Topical Costume: St Joseph’s AC.