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Tag Archives: parade

Maura O’Connell to take Western Highway home for Patrick’s Day

THE Grand Marshall of this year’s Ennis St Patrick’s Day parade will be two time Grammy award nominee, Ennis’ very own Maura O’Connell. Clare County Council are extending a warm welcome to all to gather in Ennis to celebrate our national holiday on Sunday, March 17. Maura, of ‘Tumbleweed’, ‘De Dannan’ and ‘A Woman’s Heart’ fame, released her first solo album ‘Maura O’Connell’ in the early 1980s which was an eclectic mix of genres. Moving to Nashville in 1986 Maura went on to have a very successful career in the US releasing albums with Jerry Douglas and Béla Fleck and sharing the stage with many top artists such as Dolly Parton, John Prine, James Taylor, Alison Krauss, Kris Kristofferson, John Oates, Van Morrison and Bonnie Raitt. Joining this year’s parade will be a delegation from Ennis’ twinning town in Germany, Langenfeld. The Mayor of Langenfeld Frank Schneider and members of the city administration and twinning committee will participate in the …

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GALLERY: Shannon St Patrick’s Day parade ‘the biggest ever’

FOR the first time since 2019 the people of Shannon were able to come out to see their town’s St Patrick’s Day parade. Derek Clune of the Love Shannon Community Council said that it had been a great success. “I think it was the biggest parade we’ve had in Shannon and the biggest turnout of spectators and floats that we’ve ever had. “It was a brilliant day and everything went so well. Everyone was really happy and we got some brilliant feedback. Everyone enjoyed the day, the weather was lovely, so it all went well.” He said that there was far greater interest given the restrictions that dogged life over the last few years. “There’s no doubt about it, there was a huge amount of interest because of the last two years. Because of that the turnout was bigger than normal, we were expecting that. Everyone was mad to go, the turnout was huge, bigger than we expected and I’d …

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People to ‘Come Together’ as parades return to streets

ST Patrick’s Day parade celebrations return to the Banner County this week for the first time since 2019. People all over the county, from the young to the young at heart, will be donning their green, white and gold to join in the festivities on Thursday. Large crowds are expected to attend parades throughout Clare after Covid-19 halted the annual commemoration of our national holiday in recent years. In Fanore celebrations got off to an early start with their parade taking place last Sunday. Organisers hailed it a “huge success” with a few small showers not dampening the spirits of those who came out on the day. The Ennis St Patrick’s Day Parade starting at 11am on Thursday will be the county’s biggest event with colourful floats, dance groups and musicians just some of the things to enjoy. The theme of this year’s Ennis parade is ‘Coming Together’ with Mayor of Ennis Councillor Ann Norton saying she cannot wait to …

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Want to take part in Ennis St Patrick’s Day Parade?

A CALL has gone out for participants to take part in the 2022 Ennis St Patrick’s Day parade. The annual county parade is open to all individuals, groups, clubs and societies from across Clare. The Ennis Municipal District are looking forward to welcoming back those who normally actively participate in the parade and would encourage and warmly welcome new additions to the line-up this year. Organisers expect additional spectators from at home and abroad, saying the parade is a great opportunity to showcase Clare culture and talents.  Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, Councillor Ann Norton, said, “It is great to see a return to ‘in person’ events, I look forward to welcoming you all into the town to enjoy the traditional St Patrick’s Day parade. I would like to thank all the other agencies who work alongside Ennis Municipal District to co-ordinate this event.” The theme is ‘Coming Together’, with prizes to be secured under the following categories: Best visual …

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Green light for St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ennis

THE Ennis St Patrick’s Day parade will be going ahead this year, the Ennis Municipal District have confirmed. The last time a St Patrick’s Day parade was held in the county capital was 2019, with the annual celebrations cancelled since then due to Covid-19. The theme for this year’s parade will be ‘Coming Together’ with full details of the event set to be released in the run up to the parade. According to the local authority the parade will be a celebration of Irish heritage and social networks, particularly communities. According to a spokesperson for the council, “Ennis Municipal District with the assistance of other agencies is organising the 2022 St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis, in accordance with the public health guidelines at that time. “The Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, Councillor Ann Norton, is delighted to announce the theme of this year’s parade is ‘Coming Together’, a celebration of our Irish heritage and social networks, especially our communities. …

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People at home and abroad can connect with Clare this St Patrick’s Day

CLARE people at home and abroad are invited to come together virtually to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2021 online. This year, Clare County Council is organising and presenting an online St Patrick’s Day event with the theme of ‘Connecting Clare’, and everyone can get involved. The Council is inviting Clare people at home and abroad to celebrate St Patrick’s Day together, by actively participating in the online event or by joining in on the day as a member of our global audience. “The event is a wonderful opportunity for Clare people to showcase their talents across the globe. To participate, we are requesting that you record an individual or group performance and submit it to us online (please see details below). You might like to get members of your group to log on to Zoom and record all the individuals performing together as a group online. We are looking for variety so music, song, poetry, dance, backyard parade – the choice …

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A multi-cultural parade in Ennis

‘Ennis – A Multi Cultural Town’ is the theme of the 2017 Ennis St Patrick’s Day Parade which takes place on the feastday of our national saint. Among the international visitors lined up are a group of 50 from Langenfeld, Ennis’ German twinning partner, and a 100- strong Russian group. In excess of 10,000 people lined the streets of the county capital during last year’s parade, which featured 50 groups representing the many aspects of life in Ennis and County Clare. The theme for this year’s parade, according to the local authority, provides participating groups, organisations, bands, schools and individuals a broad scope within, which they can reflect the various cultures in their float or group activity. There will be an overall prize for best group or float, while all parade participants will be included in an open draw for prizes. Mayor of Ennis Ann Norton, said, “The parade offers an opportunity to the people of Ennis and Clare to …

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Pakie heads Ennis parade

Ninety-seven-year-old Patrick ‘Pakie’ Wall from Ballydineen, Kilmihil, was the focus of attention at this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis when he assumed the role of Grand Marshall. Patrick was selected following a nomination process through Clare County Council for the oldest Patrick in Clare to join Mayor of Ennis Pat Daly in leading the parade in a horse-drawn carriage, which was followed by approximately 50 groups representing the many aspects of life in the county. Ahead of the parade, a Certificate of Recognition was presented to Mr Wall outside the offices of Áras Contae an Chláir. The presentation was made by Anna Whelan, who is a fifth class pupil from Ballyea National School where Pakie attended from 1923 to 1931. Fifth class from Ballyea National School went on to win Best Parade Float/Group for their showcase of their All-Ireland winning Irish drama “1916-Eirigh amach na Casca”.

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