Charlestown
The Charlestown and Bellaghy St Patrick’s Day parade will commence at 12.30pm from the fire station.
There will be prizes in many categories and also €250 for the best bilingual float .
There is also a craft, country, cottage industry and fowl market in Charlestown / Bellaghy on Friday March 18 starting from 10am onwards.
Anyone wishing to take a stand can contact the committee or phone /text 086 265 3085/086 814 1466.
Castlebar
The committee organising the annual St Patrick’s Day parade in Castlebar has appealed to businesses and private householders to display flags and bunting for this year’s event.
The theme of this year’s parade is Carry on Castlebar and there are prizes on offer for the most attractive floats and individual entries. The Duffy/Coady memorial trophy will be presented to a person who has made a positive contribution to the development of the local community on a voluntary basis. The Des King trophy will be presented to a young person who is involved in local groups.
The parade will assemble at the Industrial Estate, beside McHale Park, at 2.15pm. Leading the parade will be a colour party from the 51st Battalion and Castlebar Concert Band. Also taking part in the parade will be school bands from the town and surrounding areas. The chief marshal is Seán Horkan, famous boxing personality.
Henry McGlade will be master of ceremonies on the reviewing platform and music will be provided by Michael Fox and the Kilkenny Family Band.
