The Croi na hÉireann Festival will once again grace Athlone in 2024, the re-elected committee confirmed at the recently hosted AGM in The Bounty.
Chairperson, John Henson, confirmed that the five day event will take place from March 14-18 culminating in an all inclusive community parade on March 18.
The AGM was publicly advertised in advance to encourage the attendance of local community members and garner fresh views with regard to the hosting of the festival in 2024. The chairperson welcomed Martin Ward from Na Fianna Kickboxing Club and Ankur who represented the Indian Community at the meeting.
The chairperson provided a full account of this year’s very successful festival and parade and expressed sincere thanks to all who contributed to its success, namely the sporting, community, ethnic, cultural and business groups in Athlone and surrounding areas who participated.
In particular, John thanked his very hard working committee who voluntarily give of their time to deliver a ‘wow’ festival for the people of the town and commended the Gardai and Westmeath County Council staff who kindly help out on the day of the parade.
Committee treasurer, Cllr Frankie Keena, spoke highly of his fellow committee members and expressed his gratitude to John Henson for his energy shown in leading the festival. In particular, he referenced John’s close contact with Providence, Rhode Island, USA, which he utilises to invite Americans to Athlone for the festivities.
Cllr Keena also gave special thanks to Westmeath County Council and the wide variety of businesses who kindly contribute finances to the running of the festival each year.
“Without this amazing financial support, it would not be possible to put on the festival,” Cllr Keena stated.
The councillor extended a special thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s festival and encouraged businesses, communities and sporting groups to unite once again for the event in 2024.
“We do not charge for event entries as this is a community based festival and parade,” Cllr Keena added.
Croi na hÉireann Festival 2024 Dates
The outgoing officer board was re-elected at the AGM and the dates for the 2024 Croi na hÉireann Festival were confirmed, the five day event to take place from March 14-18 inclusive, concluding with an all inclusive community parade.
“The theme for the 2024 festival is ‘Our Beating Heart’ which will give an opportunity to all groups and organisations in the town and surrounding areas to showcase their unbelievable skills. We are so delighted for the ongoing support from TUS which will help us make the 2024 festival bigger and better,” the chairperson concluded.
