Sun shines on Mitchelstown St Patrick's Day parade
The St Patrick’s Day committee have praised the turnout to Mitchelstown’s parade last Friday, saying they were 'delighted' with the crowds that celebrated in the town, and thanked both the public and their invited guests for making the day such a success. Led by Grand Marshal Fionn Herlihy, the day went off without a hitch and thankfully, stayed dry, with some of the earlier parades being effected by heavy showers.
Speaking with The Avondhu, chair of the committee Michael White thanked all of the groups and participants that took part ' and supported us in any way'. Referring to the high standard of the window displays that brightened up the town in the runup to St Patrick’s Day, he said that they would need to 'look at getting a few more prizes' to recognise the many efforts made.
Speaking of the ‘Overall Winner’ of the best window display, this went to Ark Flowers, sponsored by TheAvondhu. Trophies were also awarded to Bernie Molan, Bernie Meade, Chamberlain’s Bakery, Ann Forde, Pat Sullivan and Kitchen Garden.
The winners of the ‘Best Pub Interior’ were named as J’s Bar, The Ramble Inn and The Bodhrán.
In the parade itself, the floats of Ballylanders Macra and of Curraghagalla won the top prizes, while Scoil Rince na Trí Chontae won the ‘Best Tots’ float and Park Utd took the ‘Best Teens’ float. In the ‘Best Walking Group’, both the representations from Ballygiblin/Mitchelstown GAA and the Mitchelstown Musical Society were the deserving recipients.
On the day, Mr White paid testament to the late Nellie Fitzgerald, who was represented on the podium by her daughter Susan O'Donoghue. Speaking with TheAvondhu, he said how important it was to remember her and her community involvement.
“Nellie was very active in the parade committee for many years, and she was so sorely missed; it was a huge honour to have her daughter on stage with us this year.”
He went on to thank Sergeant Gerry Quinn and his team for diverting traffic for the parade and handling security on the day. He also expressed his thanks for the James Fitzgerald Memorial Brass and Reed Band for providing the tunes, to Sean Burke for taking photographs, and to Denis McGrath for sponsoring the various trophies. He also thanked Murphy’s Garage for providing the barriers, Jack Roche for the podium and to Eamon O’Brien for allowing the committee to store it in the former mart site before proceedings.