Jigs and reels at the big parade
THE people of Greystones and their visitors created a fantastic parade last Saturday, to warm the spirits prior to what was hopefully the last snowfall of the season.
Organised by a committee of Greystones Municipal District, sports groups, clubs, businesses, churches, dancers, and St Patrick himself took to the streets of Greystones to celebrate the national day.
Visitors from the Holyhead Sea Cadets in Wales helped their twin-town friends in Greystones Coast Guard to pay tribute to Rescue 116, days after the anniversary of the helicopter tragedy.
Children watching from the sidelines were well wrapped up for the lively and musical occasion.
Tallaght Marching Band, who won best musical entry, led the crowd and rugby club in a rousing rendition of ‘Ireland’s Call’ ahead of the rugby, and dancers along the parade route didn’t stop long enough to get cold.
The spectacle even made the evening news, with Minister for Health Simon Harris in pride of place alongside other local representatives on the reviewing stand.
Lakers, scouts, majorettes, vintage cars and even a baseball team helped to show the wealth of fun activities in Greystones.
Other winners included Greystones Taekwondo, who demonstrated breaking planks of wood and won best sports entry, and Dunphy School of Irish Dancing, who won best traditional Irish entry. Most topical entry went to the Girl Guides, who celebrated the year of a woman with a song all about how capable women are.