An uplifting feast of colour, live music, and entertainment drew the crowds out onto the streets of Athlone yesterday, St Patrick’s Day, for one of the biggest and brightest parades the town has seen.
Athlone Community Taskforce, as well as local community groups, had spent months preparing for yesterday’s events, and the hard work paid off as locals enjoyed a day of entertainment and family fun.
Up to 60 entries took part in the parade, including marching bands; floats from local groups such as Athlone Institute of Technology, Athlone Little Theatre, and the Credit Union; as well as colourful displays from local businesses, including Grenhams Travel who are celebrating 100 years in business this year.
Three marching bands - Ravens Marching Band, Athlone Town Youth Marching Band, and Athlone Pipe Band - provided the musical entertainment during the parade. The Army and the Order of Malta also took part.
The sky turned green as the parade came to a close, with a balloon launch from Athlone Castle.
A full programme of children’s entertainment complemented the parade, with a treasure hunt yesterday morning and a magic show in the Civic Square, while live music from a variety of acts in the town centre brought the day’s festivities to a close.
The St Patrick’s Day committee would like to thank all who came out to support the events and join in the fun, and also all those who volunteered their time to assist with the preparations and on the day.
