ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADES PICTURE SPECIAL
Wexford St Patrick’s Day Parade manager John Fowler sent a text out to all participating groups a few days before the event advising them to ‘wrap up well’ in anticipation of icy temperatures.
The quay is the one of the coldest spots in Wexford on a warm day but last Saturday it was positively baltic and a smaller than usual crowd of spectactors huddled in doorways and behind corners of buildings to escape from a chilling northe-easterly wind.
‘The weather definitely had an effect on the number of people who came to watch and a few of the GAA clubs didn’t show. Down by the Talbot Hotel was the worst. The wind was coming in directly there’, said John.
‘It was very cold for everyone, especially the children God love them. I sent out a text advising everyone to wrap up well, including the stewards. Most people took it on board’, he said.
‘It was still a good day for everyone who turned up. It took an hour to run. Usually, it might be an hour and a half.’
On the reviewing stand, graced by the Mayor of Wexford Jim Moore, Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin and Bishop Denis Brennan (wearing a flat cap), the just-retired Wexford Garda Chief Superintendent (wearing his ceremonial coat) John Roche was the recipient of public good wishes on his departure. The Mayor paid tribute to him for his years of service in the Garda division and wished him well in the future.
Also on the viewing stand was Coun- ty Council chairman John Hegarty who was heading to Gorey for another Patrick’s Day Parade in the afternoon.
John Fowler thanked everyone who took part in and viewed the parade .’It relies on community involvement. The parade belongs to Wexford people’, he said.
The winners were: Mayor’s Cup, St Mary’s GAA Club; Best Group/Uninformed body, Wexford Wanderers Rugby Club, 2 Order of Malta Cadets; Best Float/Wexford People Award, Wexford Light Opera Society; Best Community Group, Bloco Garman Samba Band; Best Dressed, 501st Legion Star Wars; Best Comic Entry Surf Shack; Overall Walking Group, Wexford Gymnastics Club. Merit Awards, Wexford Special Olympics, Next Level Dance Company, 2nd Wexford Scouts and Wexford Chos Tack Wanda.