Feast of fun on St. Patrick’s Day
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. THE bunting is up and the people of New Ross are ready to celebrate this St Patrick’s Day Parade whose theme is one of celebration.
The parade is kicking off at the later time of 2.30 p.m. this year and will begin in the Irishtown. The theme is `Festival Celebration’.
Cllr Anthony Connick, chairperson of the parade committee, said that this theme gives all participating groups the chance to celebrate what is important to them. He went on to say that this year the committee are trying to encourage more groups to enter floats. Cllr Connick said: `There are new prizes been given for “Most Original Costume” and “Best Topical Costume”.’
The Grand Marshal of the New Ross St Patrick’s Day Parade was unveiled as Emiel (Mel) Heynen from the United Striders Running Club in New Ross. Mr Hynan has been involved with the club since it was founded in 1976 and to this day continues to train with the Striders.
Cllr Connick said it was an absolute pleasure for the organising committee to be able to ask Mel to help us celebrate on March 17. Cllr Connick said: ‘It is people like Mel who have helped to make New Ross such an interesting and vibrant town to live in. He has inspired so many around him to succeed in athletics.’
He can be contacted on 087 2338350 for more information. As always the committee are looking for volunteers to help out on the day. Over 2,000 people will gather to view the St Patrick’s Day Pa- rade in Bunclody at 10.45 a.m.
Floats for the parade will assemble at Glanbia from 10 a.m. with the marchers gathering at the library at 10.15 a.m.
The parade is one of the best as you get to view it twice – it will go along the Main Street to Ryland Road before returning back to its starting point.
The Blessing of the Shamrock will take place at 11 a.m. at the Market Square.
Music and entertainment will be provided by Liam Sharkey from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on the reviewing stand while Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy will act as MC on the day.
A large number of local groups, schools and marching bands will take part in this years parade with Marshalstown GAA Club making their first appearance. The Bunclody ICA will make their thirtieth appearance, as they have not missed one parade to date.
St Patrick himself will make an appearance on the day and there will be a colour party from the Reserve Defence Forces.
This year horses or animals will not be allowed to be in the parade for health and safety reasons.
To take part in the parade or for more information contact Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy on 087-6736966.
The village of Monamolin will hold its first ever St Patrick’s Day Parade at 11 a.m. on March 17.
It is being organised by sisters Caroline Farrington and Gertrude Rowlands and they have roped in the support of various locals and organisations. Caroline explained that their mother, Margaret O’Leary of Garrydaniel is in her 97th year, and it is her wish to see a St Patrick’s Day Parade in the village, so they set about putting one together.
‘We contacted the parish committee, the GAA, the school, and people involved in music,’ she said. ‘We even have a St Patrick!’
She said that the people of Monamolin have all gotten behind the event, and they are expecting to see vintage cars and tractors, pikemen, sports clubs, music groups, and fancy dress entries on the day. The village will be decorated with bunting and refreshments will be served in the local hall afterwards. The local school children have been busy creating flags and banners and members of Buffer’s Alley GAA Club are helping decorate the village
The parade will begin at the Church of Ireland church, and proceed towards the school. Entrants will begin assembling from 10.30 a.m. and the parade will begin at around 11 a.m. MC Tom Lawless will provide commentary on the entries. And of course, leading the parade, in a vintage car, will be the grand marshal, the lady responsible for it all, Mrs Margaret O’Leary.
FUN is forecast in Fethardon-Sea for this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade.
The entertainment begins at noon on Friday at the castle with face painting, music and games for children, as well as goodie bags.
The parade - which will feature around 15 floats and vintage cars and tractors - will set off at 12.30 p.m.
Having been revived in 2014 after a 30-year hiatus, the parade has become an important fixture on the social calendar of the village and surrounding areas.
Featuring players from St Mogue’s GAA club boys and girls’ teams and members of numerous other local organisations, it promises to be a great occasion. Entertainment will continue until 1.30 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.