An early welcome for St Patrick in Rathmore

THE early bird reaps the rewards and that has certainly been the case over the county bounds in Rathmore over the past nine years as the own has held its St Patrick’s Day parade a week early – and enjoyed huge support in the process.

With 27 floats taking part and school children and community groups joining in on the fun, it proved to be a very colourful affair all around last Sunday afternoon.

“We had a great turnout and the weather even favoured us. It was dry at that time and only a bit cold,” said Michael O’Mahony, one of the organisers of the day and the PRO of Rathmore Community Council.

This year’s grand marshal was a very popular choice and after a long and distinguished 44-year career in teaching before retiring as principal of Holy Family National School last summer, Diarmuid McCarthy was no stranger to being the centre of attention.

There was plenty to celebrate about this year’s parade with eight different awards given out to groups on the day.

The biggest of the lot, the Frank Buckley Memorial Cup – named after the founder of the parade – was won by the Holy Family NS in Rathmore.

Other winners on the day included Vincent & Ryan Darmondy who won ‘Best Vintage Vehicle’, Shrone NS who were named as ‘ Best Organisation’ with O’Keeffe Oil in Rathmore winning the ‘Best Commercial Truck’.

Explaining why the town holds the parade one week early every year, Michael said that it simply helps to get first pick.

“We wouldn’t get the bands that we had on Sunday if you waited until St Patrick’s Day. We get bands coming from all over the county coming to ours and we get great coverage in the lead up to it,” he said

Cullen Pipe Band performed at the Rathmore St Patrick’s Parade.

RIGHT: The local Children’s Panto Group took part in the Rathmore St Patrick’s Parade.

Padraig Murphy from Shrone on accordion duties for the Rathmore St Patrick’s Parade.

BELOW: Margaret Hickey, Rathmore, Sheila O’ Connor, Knocknagree and Lil Fleming, Tureencahill, of Sliabh Luachra Active Retirement Group.

ABOVE: The Sliabh Luachra Men’s Shed Group with Miss Kerry South Denise Hickey took part in the Rathmore parade.

ABOVE: Erin Milligan had her face painted by Amanda Wright at the Rathmore St Patrick’s Parade.

ABOVE: Grand Marshal Diarmuid McCarthy.