Revealed: Grand Marshall for St Patrick's Day Parade in Tullamore

The Grand Marshall for the Tullamore St Patrick's Day parade will be the president of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, John Dolan.
John is a local man and canal enthusiast who has been heavily involved in the Offaly Branch of the Inland Waterways Association for many years. The St Patrick's Day committee is delighted that John has accepted the role as Grand Marshall as the theme for this year's parade is 'Offaly Waterways'.
Organisers of the parade are calling on all groups and individuals associated in any way with the Grand Canal, or Offaly's rivers and lakes, to take part in this year's event. This could be by entering a float in the parade, mooring a boat or barge in the harbour area, organising a fishing competition or demonstrating the skills of canoeing and rowing.
'We are encouraging all groups and individuals associated with the canal to take part in the parade to highlight the many ways that the canal is of such value to our area and the many activities that take place on and around it. The Grand Canal has flowed through Offaly for over 200 years and it had such an influence on the development of the county,' said parade secretary Sean O'Brien.
'We are interested in hearing from any group which wishes to enter and we will assist them in any way possible. As the canal flows right through Offaly we are interested in hearing from people from Edenderry, Daingean, Rahan, Pullough, Shannonbridge and Banagher. All will be welcome and entry is free. We are also asking local groups to reflect the theme in their entry in the parade. This is an ideal opportunity for schools to involve students in researching the impact and benefits of the canal and to enter a float in the parade to highlight some aspect,' outlined Mr O'Brien.
The parade is being held on Friday, March 17, commencing at 11.30am. Assembly is in the car park of the Bridge Centre and all groups are asked to be there by 11am at the latest.

For more information contact Johnny O'Connor, Chairman, on 0872602487, or Sean O'Brien 0863892854. The parade website is www.stpatricksdaytullamore.com.