Local businesses benefit from Patrick’s Day parade
Ballymote was a hive of activity on Friday as locals flocked to the town for the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Around 45 floats participated in the event which drew a huge crowd, despite the dreadful weather conditions.
Ophardt’s float was the overall winner of the day.
Chairman of the Ballymote St. Patrick’s Day parade committee Pat McGrath said: “It went very well this year despite the weather. The turn- out of floats was fantastic. We had two bands from the North,” he said.
The theme of this year’s parade was Brexit, while the President of the United States, Donald Trump, also featured heavily in many floats.
“There were lots of references to both Trump and Brexit, there was Mr. Bean as well.
“We’re very pleased with how it all went off. We’re very thankful to all the stewards and all the people who came out on the day to watch the parade,” he said.
The running of a parade requires the time and work of a huge number of volunteers too, something which the committee are incredibly grateful for.
Hosting a parade in the town ensures that locals stay around for the day, keeping local businesses busy.
“It keeps people in the town for the day. That’s very much appreciated by the local businesses, the hotel and the pubs were all busy for the whole day,” Mr. McGrath added.
Now, attention turns to the 2018 parade.
“We’ll see what happens now for next year but it did go very well.”
Other prizewinners on the day were as follows: Novelty - Tom Scanlon Commercial - Looby Plant and Agricultural Services Club - Patricia Henry Innovation - F1 Car Wash Dan Flannery.