Organisers delighted with Ballylanders parade

Those responsible for organising the St. Patrick's Day parade in Ballylanders said they were delighted with both participation levels and public reaction to the event.

Ballylanders and its hinterland has a long tradition of turning out in force for this annual set piece occasion and on Friday last, individuals, groups and businesses assembled for what was a colourful, entertaining and uplifting parade. Jim Stapleton, secretary of Ballylanders Development Association, said he was delighted with how things went. The event was also endorsed by Limerick councillors, Ger Mitchell and Martin Ryan, who said it reflected very positively on the strength of voluntary groups in Ballylanders.

LUCKY WITH THE WEATHER

It rained in many parts of the country last Friday - but not in Ballylanders. Sticking to the schedule, participants gathered in the centre of the village for the short walk down the street. The parade was led by young people bearing 'flags from around the world'.

Lending his support to proceedings was a 'local St. Patrick', who insisted on sprinkling as many people as possible with generous amounts of holy water. There was also a guest appearance from another would be saint - former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern. Those taking part in the parade were introduced to a

very substantial crowd by community activist, Bridget Fitzgerald.

RECEPTION IN GAA HALL

Most of those taking part continued to Ballylanders GAA complex, where refreshments awaited. Members of

the Kilshanna Musicians provided live entertainment. The absence of rain meant spectators were able to linger in the village centre after the parade had finished. There was also a spin off for local shops, who were more than happy to serve the public.

AFTER PARADE ACTIVITY

Following the parade, activity was divided between the environs of the GAA complex where youngsters enjoyed themselves and the impres

sive village park, which is a fantastic asset to the people of Ballylanders. Those who helped organise and co-ordinate this year's parade should be very pleased with what was a brilliant day out for all concerned.

(Pic: John Ahern) STARS OF THE SHOW: Members of Morning Star Vintage Club, who were well represented at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballylanders, l-r: Tom McDonnell, P.J. Walsh, Noel O’Brien, Ger O’Kelly, Dave McCarthy, Paul Walsh, Tony Riordan and Dave Walsh.

(Pic: John Ahern) LEFT: POLITICIANS AT THE PARADE: Secretary of Ballylanders Development Association, Jim Stapleton (left) in the company of Limerick politicians, Cllr. Ger Mitchell and Cllr. Martin Ryan, at last Friday’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballylanders.

(Pic: John Ahern) GREAT DAY OUT: L-r: Tom Hayes (Ballyorgan), Ava O’Riordan (Ballyorgan) and Realtin O’Shea (Kildorrery) who were at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballylanders.

(Pic: John Ahern) PARADE PEOPLE: Enjoying the wonderful spectacle that was this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballylanders, were, l-r: Isabelle Lynch, Suzie Hassett, Chloe Rogers and Ruby Farrell.

(Pic: John Ahern) BIG DAY IN BALLY’: Supporting the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballylanders, l-r: Rachel Carey, Bibi O’Dwyer, Patrick O’Brien, Amelia Carey and Stephen Barrett.

GLENROE HURLERS: Young hurlers from Glenroe GAA and their coaches, preparing to take part in Ballylanders St. Patrick’s Day parade. (Pic: John Ahern)

(Pic: John Ahern) BALLYLANDERS AND THE WORLD: Young people bearing ‘flags from around the world’ led this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballylanders.

(Pic: John Ahern) LOYAL LOCALS: Locals, Dan Condon and Mary Morrissey, who attended last Friday’s very successful St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballylanders.

(Pic: John Ahern) GLENROE’S FINEST: Glenroe camogie U14 players, Aoibhinn Fox and Ciara Murphy, wearing their club colours with pride at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballylanders.

(Pic: John Ahern) COMPANY OF COUSINS: Caroline Morrissey and her cousin, Marie Keane, who were at last Friday’s parade in Ballylanders.