The imminent Croí na hÉireann Festival affords an opportunity for the local community to show their solidarity with Ukraine as Russian troops continue their invasion of the east European country.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council and Croi na HÉireaan committee member, Cllr Frankie Keena, called upon those who will be in attendance for the St Patrick’s Day parade, which takes place on Sunday, March 20, to wave the national flag of Ukraine with that of the tricolour as the occasion proceeds along the streets of the Athlone.
“Our St Patrick’s Day parade is an ideal opportunity for members of the public to express their solidarity with Ukraine as they try to defend their country from Russia’s illegal invasion.
“Ireland has always been to the forefront on a humanitarian level in affording assistance to countries and now the Ukrainian citizens need our support. So, I would encourage those who are attending the parade to please bring along the national flag of Ukraine and showcase the strong support from our local community towards the east European country,” Cllr Keena asserted.
A wealth of activities have been planned for the five day festival, the programme of events for which commence on March 16, concluding with the showpiece occasion, the St Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, March 20.
At the most recent sitting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District, €12,000 was allocated towards the cost of hosting the Festival (Under the Festival & Grants Scheme 2022 ), a welcome boost towards the accumulated organisational costs.
“A strong group of volunteers have united to enable this five day day festival to proceed and as we emerge from the pandemic the programme of events is certain to prove popular and give cause for much enthusiasm on the streets of Athlone.
“There is a great ‘buy in’ from members of the local business community who have donated funds towards the cost of the event and this €12,000 allocation from our local authority will ease our financial concerns at this time.
“We have a number of amazing floats and talented musicians participating in our showpiece event, the St Patrick’s Day parade, many of whom necessitate payment in advance of the Festival so formal confirmation that €12,000 will cover such costs is welcome.
“Hosting a five day festival comes at a cost - bunting erected this past weekend highlighting the festival to come was a €1,300 expense but it was a necessary purchase as now the general public are aware that a five day programme of events in honour of our national day is imminent,” Cllr Keena stated.
Athlone Croi Na hEireann Festival - Schedule of Events
Wednesday, March 16
•Event: Market in Mall
Time: 12pm to 6pm
Venue: Athlone Town Centre Shopping Mall
•Event: Paddy Ramblers walking tours
Time: 10.30am
Start Location: Athlone Castle
•Event: Tai Shee
Time: 7pm
Venue: St. Mary’s Hall
•Festival Pub Music Wednesday Night 16th:
Castle Inn - Jock
Sean’s Bar - Alan O’Neill & Liam Flynn
The Snug - Michael Byrne
Thursday, March 17
•Event:Ballinahown Big Breakfast
Time:9am to 12.30pm
Venue:Ballinahown Village Hall
•Event: Market in Mall
Time: 12pm to 6pm
Venue: Athlone Town Centre Shopping Mall
•Event: Poetry in the Park by Caroline Coyle
Time: 2pm
Venue: Burgess Park
•Event: Trad & Dance under the Canopy with Neil Fitzgibbons Band dBize & Darina Ganly School of Dancing.
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Venue: The Canopy, Church Street.
•Music in The Snug - David Hughes
Time: 3pm
•Music in Sean’s Bar - The Fabulous Bonker Boys
Time: 4pm
•Event: Athlone Basketball Club Display
Time: 4pm to 6pm
Venue: Athlone Regional Sports Centre Park
•Event: Athlone Karate Club open display
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Venue: St. Mary’s Hall
•Event: Athlone Pipe Band
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Venue: St. Mary’s Hall
•Festival Pub Music, St Patrick’s Night
Castle Inn - Thunder Slap
Sean’s Bar - Shane & Keith
The Snug - Tongue & Groove
Friday, March 18
•Event: Lough Ree Angling Federation Trout Fishing Competituon
Time: 10am to 6pm
Venue: Lough Ree
•Event: Market in the Mall
Time: 12pm to 6pm
Venue: Athlone Town Centre Shopping Mall.
•Event: Greenway Kiddies Treasure Trail
Time: 12noon to 2.30pm
Venue: Whitegates to Garrycastle GAA Clubhouse.
•Event: Pioneer’s FC Under 10 Football Blitz
Time: 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Venue: Pitch to rear of St. Patrick’s Tce.
•Event: St Patrick’s Festival Bring a Buddy Basketball Event
Time: TBC
Venue: Athlone Regional Sports Centre Park
•Event: Athlone Karate Club Open Day
Time: TBC
Venue: St Mary’s Hall
•Event: Set Dance Ceili with Band Raise the Dust at Athlone GAA Clubhouse
Time: 8pm
Venue: Athlone GAA Club
•Festival Pub Music, Friday Night
Castle Inn - Bowtie
Sean’s Bar - Jim Byrne & Friends
Saturday, March 19
•Event: RNLI & Athlone River Safety Demonstration.
Time: 10am
Location: Rear of Sean’s Bar
•Event: Paddy’s Ramblers Walking Tour
Time: 10.30am
Location: Creggan Bog Roundabout
•Event: Market in the Mall
Time: 12pm to 6pm
Location: Athlone Town Shopping Centre Mall
•Event: American Football Game
Time: 2pm
Location: Athlone GAA Club
•Event: Open Darts Competition
Time: 4pm
Location: Dan’s Tavern
Festival Pub Music, Saturday Night
Castle Inn - Adrian Higgins
Sean’s Bar - The Henshaws
The Snug - High Reel
Sunday, March 20
•Event: Athlone Boat Club Open Morning and Display
Time: 9am to 10.30am
Venue: Athlone Boat Club
•Event: Funfair
Time: 11am
Venue: Burgess Park
•Event: Market in the Mall by Athlone Market Group
Time: 12pm to 6pm
Location: Athlone Town Shopping Centre Mall
•Event: Athlone Karate Club
Time: 12pm – 5pm
Venue: St Mary’s Hall
•Event: Major Parade
Time: 2pm
Location: West to East Athlone
•Event: Eva Coyle & Friends at the Canopy
Time: 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Location: The Canopy, Church Street
Festival Pub Music, Sunday Night
Sean’s Bar - Alan O’Neill & Liam Flynn
The Snug - Dawna
