Latest Laois Event: Mountrath St. Patrick’s Parade to shine regardless of weather
Rain, hail or snow Mountrath promises a parade to remember
Rain, hail or snow Mountrath promises a parade to remember. This years parade committee, have pulled out all the stops to ensure the 50th anniversary parade is the best yet. Scoil Fionntáin Naofa will lead the parade in their eye catching red hats and capes, with the whole national school taking part in the parade in some capacity or other.
‘We have worked around the clock on the parade but every year it comes down to one thing- those who take part. So we want to see everyone out in their green, white and gold participating whatever way they can.’ Julie Bennett PRO said.
The parade will kick off with live music and entertainment in the Square from the earlier time of 11.15am. ‘We have free bouncing castles and free face painting for all the children in the Square. We have a wide and varied market, street food, live music from Deliverance and Brian & Figs.’ The Lynam School of Dancing will be performing first; and Ciara & Jean from the Lord of the Dance will be delighting us all with a performance after the parade.’ Julie said
Jimmy Conroy, the last living committee member for the first parade, was chosen as this years Grand Marshall and will be paraded through the town in an open car driven by David Clegg. “We are thrilled to have Jimmy Conroy acting as Grand Marshall, what could be a better way to celebrate our 50th anniversary then by honouring one of the people who helped establish it.’ We want to see everyone out lining the streets ready to cheer Jimmy on.’ Cllr James Kelly added.
The parade organisers anticipate a big parade this year, with high volume of participants already confirmed to take part. ‘
We are delighted that so many have confirmed already, but we want to see everyone come out in their droves. We are celebrating our 50th so it’s a big one.’ Cllr Kelly said. Shanahoe Colt GAA, Tiny Tots, Camross GAA, Mountrath Bikers Shed and Mountrath Golf Club are among those confirmed to participate. ‘We are asking anyone with a float or truck to be in the GAA field by 11.30am so we can ensure that the parade starts on time.” Cllr Kelly added. ‘
The Brazilian Ambassador, H.E. Mr Marcel Biato, is to attend this year’s St Patrick Parade in Mountrath much to the delight of local residents but none moreso then LABRAS the Laois Brazillian Support Associatio. ‘LABRAS have been working really hard in preparation for the parade and they are so excited that the Ambassador is coming.’
‘When we started out planning we just wanted to honour the tradition Jimmy Conroy, Bob Stanley, Christy Loughnane and Tom Doheny started all those years ago by putting on the best parade we can.’ She said the added ‘Now, we are motivated more then ever to show the Ambassador a day he will never forget.’ Julie said.
who will be dancing on the day.
‘On behalf of the committee, I want to thank all our sponsors who without, it wouldn’t be possible to hold the parade. A big thank you to all our helpers and volunteers who help ensure the parade goes off smoothly’, to Laois County Council whose continual support has been a blessing; and lastly to all involved in organizing the parade it’s a hard job but someone has to do it! Cllr Kelly said. ‘Who knows maybe we might be at the 100th anniversary parade now wouldn’t that be something.’ He added.
