PREPARATIONS are almost complete for this weekend’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Shannon.
Niamh O’Callaghan is involved in running the parade and outlining the details, she said, “We are going by usual route. The parade is starting at 2pm this year and we have lots in store. I’m really hoping that we get people to come out and support us.
Ethan Casserly will be MC on the day, while this year’s Grand Marshall will be Richard Parks.”The Scouts in Shannon are celebrating 60 years this year. When Richard was a child he was in the Scouts and he has been part of its leadership for 30 years. He kind of retired this year and he’s our Grand Marshall,” said Niamh.
Some local organisations will be recognised also. “We’re honouring the fire brigade for all that they do in Shannon and the surrounding areas. We have the Organ Donor Association coming down to give some information. When Dylan Coady Coleman died at ten years of age his wishes were to donate his organs and he has saved a number of children. We’re hoping to really bring attention and focus to that.”
A number of individuals will also be honoured, with some of their identities currently being kept under wraps.
Former St Caimin’s principal and current Limerick hurling selector Alan Cunningham will be recognised, although on Monday Niamh said it wasn’t certain that he’d be able to be there on the day.
Also being honoured is Derek Clune, who is involved in a number of local groups. “He is the chair of Tidy Towns, he’s part of the Men’s Shed, he’s the chairman of the Cronan Resident’s Association. He’s also part of the Shannon Community Partnership and we’re honouring him for years of work for the town.”
She praised Kacper Zybert, manager of Shannon Town Centre, and Damian O’Rourke for their help with organising the parade, as well as members of the organising committee and volunteers.
The parade will finish in the Town Centre where there will be costume characters, face painting, balloons, and bands playing from 12 noon to 6pm.
Niamh says that after a lot of tragedy in Shannon there will be a poignancy to the day, but it should also be enjoyable for those attending. “It’s going to be fantastic but it’s going to be poignant as well. We have lost way too many young people in Shannon in the last year, we have been beset by tragedy really. We’re trying to acknowledge that we have lost so many and we also want to honour those who have given so much to the town.”
She also paid tribute to the many sponsors who have got behind the parade, without whom what is likely to be a spectacular event could not happen.
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.