Clara parade attracts one of its biggest crowds
After an absence of two years the Clara St Patrick’s Day parade returned to one of its largest ever crowds.
The parade, which was preceded by an hour of music in the town square, was led by two units of Clara fire brigade and a colour party from the local scout troop. Lisa Fitzpatrick performed the national anthem while Caitlin Fleming acted as queen of the parade. The official opening was performed by GAA greats, Willie Bryan, Captain of the 1971 Offaly All-Ireland winning team and Tony McTague, captain of the 1972 All-Ireland winners. They were joined by Offaly All-Ireland winning U20 captain Kieran Dolan and the three local members of the U20 panel Edward Cullen, Cormac Delaney and Adam Kelly.
Following the opening ceremony Tony McTague attempted to take one of his famous free-kicks on veteran Clara goalkeeper Pat Lowry as commentator “Bertie Ó Muircheartaigh” outlined the action to the crowds.
Grand Marshal Liam Dumpleton of Midlands 103 was attacked by a protestor and resuscitated by first responders in a comedy sketch by Pic players (drama group) and Clara defibrillator scheme.
Ard Scoil Chiarain, the local vocational school, made a welcome return to the parade, while St. Francis Boys school had their environmental green flags on display.
There were three marching bands, from Clara, Athlone and Castlerea as well as numerous vintage cars and tractors, including a corn cutting machine, over 130 years old and still working.
Commercial entries included The Trap pub, Good Day’s Chinese restaurant, Healy’s tarmacadam and Annaharvey Chauffeur services. DG transports’ show truck, which is one of only three former Ferrari team trucks, proved a huge hit with many members of the crowd having their photo taken with the iconic vehicle.
A number of local clubs and organisations including the scouts, Clara GAA, Clara Musical Society and Clara Ladies GAA club were represented in the parade which took over an hour to pass the reviewing stand.
Clara Heritage Society, Moate Vintage Club, Gerry North and Rahan CCE outlined the importance of our heritage. Justin Buckley demonstrated his answer to rising fuel prices, a solid fuel powered bicycle while Pa Buckley appeared as St. Patrick in an x-ray machine. As usual Mick Lowe appeared as St. Patrick.