Final preparations underway for Tullamore's St Patrick's Day parade
Final preparations are under way as the date for the Tullamore St Patrick's Day Parade edges closer.
With just over a week to go both the committee and the participants are busy ensuring that all is in place. The parade takes place on Sunday 17 March commencing at 11.30am from the car park of the Bridge Centre. The colour party is yet again being provided by the Reserve Defence Forces, led by local man Commandant Pat Tobin; sadly it will be Pat's last parade in uniform as he takes his bow after 21 parade appearances.
"The Committee are very busy with final preparations and we would encourage all groups taking part to ensure that they have everything in place as they prepare for our great national day. As usual we have a great interest from many groups and there are rumours of amazing floats being prepared to reflect the theme, The Future. Hopefully the snow has passed and we have a nice pleasant day," states Sean O' Brien, parade secretary/PRO.
Community groups will assemble in the car park of the Bridge Centre and are requested to be there by 11am at the latest. Business entries assemble in Kilcruttin, opposite the Railway Station. Entries are still being accepted, simply contact the secretary Sean O' Brien at 0863892854
So far there are five bands confirmed, with Athlone Pipe Band and Carlow Pipe Band expected to make their first appearances in the parade. Local shops and businesses are encouraged to decorate their windows as there will be a special award for the best window display; this will be judged on Saturday 16 March. Dog owners are encouraged to walk in the parade with their pets and there will be a prize for the best dressed dog.
We would like to thank our many sponsors for their generous support this year; our committee members will be making final calls over the coming week.
As usual there are many attractive prizes for the winners of the various categories. Theses will be presented at a gala presentation night.
Contacts for the parade are: Sean O' Brien, 0863892854, or email seanobrientullamore@gmail.com; Johnny O' Connor, 0872602487. Webpage www.stpatricksdaytullamore.com.