Fresh from the success of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival weekend on the streets of Athlone the present committee will host their AGM in the Shamrock Lodge on Wednesday, April 10, at 7pm.
Following dedicated service and commitment to organising the annual parade and the numerous events which dot the town in reflection of the feast day, the committee are seeking fresh personnel and ideas with regard to the future hosting of the family event.
Speaking this week, Chairperson, Caoimhe O’Connell expressed her gratitude to her fellow committee members and the commitment levels shown with regard to organising the St. Patrick’s Day Festival weekend.
“While there was lots of positive feedback from the public following the parade this year, the change of date created a significant amount of negative comment from parts of the community. Regardless of criticism and negativity the committee were resolved to organizing the best parade possible for the town. As Chairperson, it has been a honour and a pleasure to work alongside such a dedicated and enthusiastic committee. Behind the scenes there are hours of meetings, phone calls and garnering favours from friends and family along the way.”
“Following what we believe was a successful parade this year, the entire committee have indicated they are stepping down to allow some new faces and different approaches. I am really hopeful that those who suggested alternate and better ways can become involved in making those ideas a reality in 2020,” the Chairperson remarked.
Continuing, Ms. O’Connell noted that there still was strong support within the town for an annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
“The parade committee would like to thank the public representatives, the Council, the handful of businesses that contribute to make the parade possible, the community groups that make it what it is and the public that support it year on year. There is strong support for Athlone to have a great parade and it is only possible due to the community support we received in the last few years. We believe that as we welcome a new committee, our parade in Athlone will continue togo from strength to strength. The parade was and always has been organized with the community, in particular the youth of the town, as paramount.,” Ms. O’Connell concluded.
Positions which will require appointment are Chairperson, Secretary, Public Relations Officer, Fundraising coordinator and Treasurer.
