Kilfinane St Patrick’s Day parade the ‘best one’ yet
The Kilfinane St Patrick’s Day parade was hailed as “one of the best we’ve ever had” by the Community Council secretary Tommy O’Sullivan, attributing this year’s particular success to the way Kilfinane, Ballylanders and Kilmallock worked together to make something greater than the sum of its parts.
“It raised the awareness of all three parades. It worked great, and we’re already in the planning for next year! We’ve identified a few gaps, and we’ll be looking at enhancing or developing the inclusion of a pipe band, amongst other things.”
Saying that the John Paul II participants were “the standout act” in all three parades, Tommy thanked the whole community for their support and participation.
“What I was most proud of was that even when it was over, there was a large number of people around socialising in the street, chatting, mingling. Even after we had all the bunting and flags down, an hour after the parade was over and people were still there hanging, kids running in and out of the shop getting icecream. It was great.”
He also went on to thank the local councillors to the area, and the benefits that a relatively small grant can have to a community.
“We can’t measure the added value, but we know the shops and bars were full and busy. The added value of that €1,000 grant can’t be underestimated. We will turn that into thousands of euro in the area; it brings revenue to local businesses, and the tax raised goes right back to the exchequer.”
“That’s the kind of thing we’re looking for - that kind of support from Limerick City and County Council”.