The annual St Patrick’s Day parade in Castlebar promises to be one of the most colourful and spectacular in the history of the county town.
This year’s parade will have a big tent atmosphere about it with members of Fossetts famous circus, who will by staging their indoor show in the Theatre Royal, Castlebar, taking part in the event. So look out for many novelty events which will be a great attraction for young and old. The organising committee is grateful to Pat Jennings for arranging this section of the parade.
The parade assembles at the industrial estate, beside McHale Park, on Tuesday March 17, at 2.30pm and gets under way at 3pm.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Keeping the flag flying” and business premises and householders are asked to fly their national flags and other banners to add colour to the event.
The reviewing stand is at Main Street, where master of ceremonies will be Henry McGlade. On stage will be the Kilkenny Family Band and Michael Fox.
Castlebar Concert Band and local school bands will take part in the parade and it is expected many colourful floats will also take part in the event.
The Duffy/Coady memorial trophy will be presented to a person who has played a major role in community affairs. The trophy commemorates Kay Duffy who was matron at Mayo County Hospital for many years and was aunt of Adrian Coady, a member of the organising committee.
Also on offer will be the Jason King trophy in memory of the late Jason King, son of Des and Anne King, Forfield, Castlebar. Des is a prominent member of the organising committee. This trophy is awarded to a local young musician.
It promises to be a lively day for all family members, so go along and join in the craic.
Members of the organising committee are: Chairman, Paul Ainsworth; secretary/PRO, Johnny Mee; treasurer, Gertie Lohan; Des King, Ger Deere, John Deacy, Adrian Coady, Michael Walsh, Margaret Walsh, Lar Davis, and Dick Geraghty.
