Plans in train for another bumper St Patrick’s Day parade in Clara

Details of this year's Clara St Patrick's Day Parade have been announced.

The event starts with a concert in The Square at 11.30am with music and dancing from the James Kinsella Ceili Band, the Rahan CCE Dancers, Conroy Dancers, Fr Joe Deegann and The Concannon Youth Dancers.

Music also from Paddy Bracken, Damien Scall and Clara's answer to Big Tom. PJ Quaide.

MC for the concert and parade is Barry Flynn, assisted by his sons Adam and Aaron.

The national anthem will be sung by Clara's pride and joy the great Paddy Bracken assisted by his friend Damien Scally.

Four local schools will be honoured this year, and the principals of the four schools, Scoil Phroinsias Naofa, Clara, Madge Burke; Scoil Bride, Clara, Sandra Grennan; Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa, Roger Geoghegan and Horseleap National School, Aine Groarke will cut the ribbon for the start of the 2025 Clara St Patrick’s Day Parade and will receive their trophies of recognition later on the stand.

The parade marshals will be long time actors with the Christmas and St Patrick's Day parades, John Lowe and Nollaig Fitzpatrick.

Stage managers will be Jack Rabbitte and Sons. Reviewing stands and band stands are provided by D&G Transport Tullamore.

Organiser Bertie McMahon has thanked all sponsors and all who have given to the Church Gate Collections in Clara and Tubber. He also thanked his team of helpers, Clara and Tullamore Garda, Celsus Doolan, Ollie O'Connor, Martin O'Connor, Mark Purcell, Kevin Roe, Des Dunne, The Flynn family, Andy Cunningham, Clara Community and Family Resource Centre, Ricey Scully, Micheal O'Connor, Donald O'Connor, Gordon Healy and Sons, Eamon Cunningham and all who helped in any way.