LAURENCE’S GATE SET TO GO GREEN ON MARCH 17

ST PATRICK’S Day will offer a unique opportunity for the people of Drogheda to see St. Laurence’s Gate in a new light!

In keeping with the Drogheda St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee theme, ‘30 years of Green’, the Close the Gate community group will turn the magnificent 800 year old Barbican green for the day.

The area around the gate will be decorated to add to the festive feel and from 8pm to 11pm the gate will be illuminated green.

It’s all thanks to the expertise of Michael Kyle who has supplied his equipment, skill set and time to make this event possible, Ana Dolan and the staff of the OPW, Louth County Council staff and Lelia Doolan of the Design Gallery.

‘ The Close the Gate committee, who are campaigning to close St. Laurence’s Gate to all vehicular traffic, are delighted to have worked with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee in incorporating the Gate into Drogheda’s celebration of our patron saint’s day. Bring the family and come see the first ever illumination of St. Laurence’s Gate for St. Patrick’s Day,’ a spokesperson added.

The launch of the parade took place last week, featuring key sponsors, Coca- Cola International Services and Louth County Council.

Brendan Fay, the equal rights campaigner, now based in New York, will be flying home this week to act as Grand Marshall for the day. His family turned out at the launch to represent him.

Safety and Security Officer John Matthews has all the planning put in place for the up coming parade and the organisers again thank the O’Raghallaigh’s for their assistance.

The Drogheda St Patrick’s Day Parade will start at 12 noon from the top of the North Road at the O’Ragallaighs GAA, ending at the Quay where the reviewing stand will be.