Measures to contain covid 19

THE St Patrick’s Day Parades in both Baltinglass and Blessington have been cancelled as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.

The theme for this year’s theme in Baltinglass was going to be ‘the Roaring twenties’ and the parade route was planned from Lathaleer to Edward Street, gathering at midday for a 12.30 p.m. start.

Frank Quaid of the Baltinglass St Patrick’s Day Committee said: ‘We made the decision not to have the parade after recommendations from health and safety figures. I think most of the parades in the country will be cancelled. It’s very unfortunate but it is what it is, We will still be going ahead with the window display competition and there will be an award for the winner, but the parade won’t take place. All the food stalls have been cancelled as well.’

It was announced on Monday that the Blessington St Patrick’s Day parade had also been cancelled. However, the St Patrick’s Day raffle will still be going ahead. Raffle cards are available from Texaco, Blessington Credit Union, Crimin’s Family Butchers, The Office Shop and Harvest Fair Health Food Shop. First prize is a fuel voucher, second prize is a tonne bag of logs and the third and fourth prizes include a microwave, vouchers, hampers and coal. The raffle will be held on March 18 and all the proceeds will go toward the Community Pool for West Wicklow campaign.

Organisers are also looking at the possibility at rearranging the parade for September for the festival. The other option being considered is waiting until 2021 to hold a bigger and better parade.