Parade a great day

It certainly wasn’t like other years. Weather wise that is with it a very chilly and windy day and for spectators refuge was quickly sought indoors from the elements and to see Ireland soon afterwards complete the Rugby Grand Slam.

It was a great day for the Irish and the organisers, participants and hardy souls who took part in the village’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade deserve great credit.

They provided a colourful and lively parade based around this years theme of “Coastal Carnival” and warmed up the atmosphere for all who came along to see the event.

There were some really creative ideas for floats and while all were winners on the day, those selected for awards were:

Best Overall Float – Blackrock School of Music with their Chinese dragon head and drumming bread sticks.

Best Colourful Float – Blackrock Youth Club with their fantastic sea snakes and creatures.

Best Creative Sound Float – The Geraldine’s GAA Club with their noisy club heads and sweet throwing open truck float.

Best Impact Float – Blackrock Tourism & Development with their American Tourists & the Village Garden Camper Van and Leprechaun.

The organisers are grateful to the lady judges and Master of Ceremonies Kate Smyth and to all of the hardy stewards who helped make it a fun and safe event in co-operation with the local Gardai.

They are also thankful to Sean Moriarty Transport for supplying the stage.