St Patrick’s Day ban on canvassing and political leaflets

DEDICATION to the cause of St. Patrick and to his feast day has never been in question since the late Helen Hussey-Leane put the first parading boots on the ground in Castleisland in 1989.

The tradition is still in the full of its health and, a solid week before the 2024 parade, Cllr. Charlie Farrelly and members of his street decorating gang were out in force at the crack of a freezing cold dawn on Sunday morning hanging flags and bunting in preparation.

Meetings with interested parties have been held and the annul call for volunteers has been made as the big day approaches.

The call for stewarding volunteers is still a live and serious issue as safety at events of this nature and size demands that all hands are on deck with traffic management and providing directions.

And former world mountain running champion John Lenihan

has been asked to take on the role of grand marshall. I know that sounds woefully American and maybe we could find a focal of two as Gaeilge for it before next year and it i lár Seachtain na Gaeilge and all.

Interestingly, and because we’re on the run in to local elections in early June, all canvassing or political leaflet distribution activity has been prohibited for the duration of the day in honour of Ireland’s patron saint.

This year’s parade will set out from the Castleisland Co-Op Mart yard at 1:30pm with the gathering time of no later that 1pm through a one-way in and out system. That’s where the stewarding comes into play.

The parade will again be led by the stirring strains of the

Cullen Pipe Band and there will be live music on the street from 12noon.

The Joe Dolan Tribute specialist Paschal Brennan will entertain the gathering crowds from mid-day until the parade begins to roll.