Offaly sports personalities confirmed as Tullamore St Patrick's Day parade grand marshals
A quartet of high achieving Offaly sports personalities have been confirmed as joint grand marshals at this year's St Patrick's Day Parade in Tullamore.
Rugby Sevens Olympian Jordan Conroy will be joined by the All-Ireland winning Offaly Under 20 hurling captain Dan Bourke with teammates Dan Ravenhill and Cillian Martin to officially launch the parade at 11am on Monday, March 17.
“We are honoured to have these local sportspersons as joint grand marshals for this year's parade. They are all very talented and committed sportspersons and they are a great example to all young people in Tullamore and throughout the county. They have given us many occasions to cheer them on and no doubt we will have many more occasions to admire their great talents into the future.
"They will be presented to the crowds in the review stand area at 11am on St Patrick’s morning and they will then cut the ribbon to officially launch the 2025 parade. Be there early as big crowds are expected," Sean O’Brien, parade secretary, said.
Participating community groups are requested to assemble for the parade by 11am in the Bridge Centre car park.
"Please co-operate with our stewards at all times and note that the end point of the parade will be the GAA Centre on Arden Road. No entry will be allowed to drop out before this point. The Gardai and our stewards will be on duty to ensure complete compliance with this. All organisations and groups are still welcome to enter the parade.
"The review stand is located near Macs Cabs and groups can perform for up to three minutes at this location. Please send your scripts to the MC at seanobrientullamore@gmail.com.
"Dog owners are very welcome to enter their pets in the parade and there will be a special prize for the 'Best Dressed Dog'. There will also be a 'Best Window Display' competition and we encourage all businesses to decorate their windows for this national feast day occasion. Judging will take place from March 12.
"A fundraising event will also take place on Friday, March 7, in the Bridge Centre when two major hampers, sponsored by Cllr Shane Murray, will be raffled. These hampers are valued at €200 and tickets will be on sale for €2 or three tickets for €5 and your support will be appreciated. Shamrock in pots will also be on sale," the parade secretary added.
The theme for this year's parade is 'Celebrating Culture and Heritage', the committee hoping to see groups from different cultures taking part in the parade.
All organisations and groups are still welcome to enter the parade. Call the Secretary, Sean O’ Brien on 086 3892854.
For further information visit www.stpatricksdaytullamore.com.