Galway will hold its 106th St Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday and this year’s sea based theme will have sea creatures swarming through the city streets.
The parade starts at 12.30pm on Lower Dominick Street at Monroe’s. It will continue up to Dominick Street over O’Brien's Bridge, up Shop Street, and on to Eyre Square. The parade will finish at County Buildings on Prospect Hill.
Many community groups and two school bands - Scoil Bhride Shantalla and St Nicholas Claddagh - have opted to take part in the themed section, which is entitled A Celebration of the Sea.
Local artist Pete Casby has been working with Knocknacarra Foróige to create some fun and recognisable sea creatures. Macnas has again helped to resource the parade and the parade organisers have thanked them for their help.
“We have had a massive uptake on entry to this year’s parade from various groups all over the city and county,” said parade director Craig Flaherty. “This year’s parade will be a real showcase of talent in Galway from sports groups, community arts groups, multicultural groups, local clubs, and societies who have all put a lot of time and effort in preparing their entries to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.”
The parade will feature more than 2,000 participants and has many visiting groups to the city including pipers from Uist in Scotland, two high schools from Canada, and a traditional Breton music and dance group from Galway’s twin city Lorient.
The guest of honour at this year’s parade will be Galwayman, Irish dancer, athlete, and actor with Druid and on TV, Ray McBride.
There are various events going on around the city on St Patrick’s Day including The Celtic Legends in Terryland Park, Garry Quinn’s concert in the Town Hall Theatre, and the Ceili/Fest Noz in The Black Box.
For more details on this year’s parade go to www.stpatricksgalway.com
