ronan fagan
A full programme of events is certain to evoke national pride as the Croi na hÉireann Festival commences today, Thursday, March 14.
The ever popular annual five day festival, which culminates on Monday, March 18, with the the St Patrick’s Day parade at 2pm, is certain to attract large numbers to Athlone as the community unites to celebrate our national feast day.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, Croi na hÉireann Festival treasure, Cllr Frankie Keena, stated that the five day programme of events is tailored to suit all members of the Athlone and Midlands region community.
“The interest expressed from community organisations wishing to participate in this year’s festival and parade is extremely positive and we are simply delighted to be able to give them an opportunity to showcase their talents to a wide audience.
“Hopefully, the public will come out and support these marvellous community organisations and participate in the fun and entertainment provided during the course of this year’s five day festival.
“We are so grateful to have received such welcome sponsorship in finance and resources from Westmeath County Council, Sean’s Bar, Arcadia Retail Park, Athlone Extrusions, Ganly’s Hardware, Shannon Academy, Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union, Bank of Ireland, Garrycastle GAA Club, TUS MMW, Fern Hill Garden Centre, Mark Redmond Roofing & Construction and Athlone Regional Sports Centre.
“Finally, the committee would like to thank our local media for promoting and highlighting this festival. The aim is to make this a major festival and I do feel we are on the correct trajectory to achieve that,” Cllr Keena said.
Athlone Croi na hÉireann Programme of Events
• Saturday, March `16
Sean’s Bar Beer Garden - REJIG at 10pm
Sean’s Bar Main Bar - Jim Byrne and Mick Slattery
• Sunday, March 17
Ballinahown Big Breakfast - Community Hall at 9am
Sean’s Bar - The Fabulous Bonker Boys at 4pm
Sean’s Bar - Brian McCormack and Robbie McManus - 10pm
• Monday, March 18
PJ Stacey and JP Burke under the Canopy on Church Street, featuring their new single ‘‘The Emigrant Song’ at 3.30pm
Athlone Youth Orchestra under the Canopy - 4pm
The above is a just a selection of the events taking place during the festival. For more detailed information on all the events to take place from March 14-18 inclusive please visit www.athlonecroinaheireann.ie and the Facebook page @patricksdayathlone.
