Mallow eyes are smiling as ‘cancelled’ parade is a big hit
EARLIER cancellation scares and artic weather conditions on the day certainly did not deter the success and celebrations that followed this year’s Mallow St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Well wrapped onlookers began to gather early on the Main Street to secure vantage points for this year’s event, which contained plenty of colour and cheer.
The excellent Cuisle Avondhu traditional group were on hand from 1.30pm on the reviewing stand to entertain the gathering in very cold conditions. Those taking part lined up near Tesco on the Park Road from 1pm. This year the parade commenced at 2pm to facilitate those who wished to view the Ireland V. England Grand Slam event which kicked off at 2.45pm.
Again this year the young children were the winners in this annual event with the excellent Centre Stage dancers and the Empire Rock n Roll Dance School bringing sunshine on a bitterly cold day.
Another highlight, and a much welcomed guest, was the owl perched in the passenger seat of a vintage van which accompanied the Mick O’Regan Memorial Motor Bike Group, and Smokie the beautiful dog who led the Darkness Into Light group.
The parade was traditionally led by a Colour Party from the RDF which was closely followed by 2018 parade Grand Marshall Mallow business woman Corrie Flynn and the Thomas Davis Pipe Band.
On the reviewing stand the dignateries included Noel O’Connor, chairman of the Parade Committee, Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe TD, Deputy Sean Sherlock, TD, Canon Eithne Lynch, Father Anthony O’ Brien, PP, Cllr. Melissa Mullane, MCC,Cllr. Gearoid Murphy, MCC, John Mc Donnell, Mallow Development Partnership while Michael O’Donovan, Master of Ceremonies, described in detail all the passing groups and floats.
The judging panel was led by C103 Farming correspondent John O’Connor and Aideen McAuliffe and Mags O’Riordan from Centre Stage.
In his address, parade chairman Noel O’Connor thanked hard working committee members; Maire Ui Bhriain, secretary; Roisin Ui Ceilleachair, Assistant Secretary; Hanah Sheahan, treasurer and Trevor Flaherty, safety officer and facilities co-ordinator.
He went on: “I would especially like to thank Cork County Council, Gardaí, Civil Defence, Reserved Defence Forces, Denis Farrissey (Reviewing Platform), Finbarr Quaid ( Electrical Supplies ) for their co-operation.”
The chairman also thanked Mallow Tidy Towns in their effort to resolve issues with the parade earlier in the week.
This year parade organiser and Red Cross legend Hanna Sheahan, who is in her nineties, viewed the parade, accompanied by her daughter Patricia Flynn who drove from her home in Dundalk with family members, from an upstairs window in the Hibernian Hotel. In jovial mood Hanna said she was delighted the parade went so well and honoured to be apart of the event.
Results of the 2018 parade competition:
EDUCATIONAL GROUPS: 1. Bright Start Montessouri. 2. Mallow Barbarians. 3. Brownies / Girl Guides / Lady Birds. COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY GROUPS: 1. Mallow Tidy Towns (Good Friday Litter Day). 2. Mallow and Charleville Red Cross. 3. Darkness into Light (Mallow Walk).
SPORT AND LEISURE: Empire Rock n Roll. 2. Mallow United Football Club. 3. Mallow Juvenile Rugby Club.
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL: Killavullen Vintage Tractors. 2. O’Sullivan Tyres. 3. Tyre Stop.
Observers believe over 500 children took part in this years parade while over 3,500 people viewed it on the streets. The theme of this years parade was ‘Irish Eyes Are Smiling’ and they certainly were.
Well done to all concerned.