Fr Tommy to lead Gathering parade

FR Tommy Marrinan PP has been appointed grand marshall for the Gort St Patrick’s Day Parade to be held next Monday.
He follows a long list of marshalls, who have taken on the position over the years.
Fr Tommy, a native of Lahinch, has been parish priest in Gort for the past five years. He had been chaplain at UCHG for the previous 11 years. He is an accomplished harmonica player and plays for charity events with local musicians, Colie Moran, Willie Doorhy, Paddy Jordan and P J Brady.
The parade will start on Monday with the traditional blessing of the shamrock immediately after a special mass at 12.15pm.
All entrants should be in place at Church Street for the start at 1pm. The parade will be lead by a colour party of Gort Reserve Defence Force, followed by St Patrick’s Pipe Band, Tulla. Participants are observing strict secrecy regarding the nature of their floats and entries on foot.
The official theme of the parade is The Gathering and indications are that there will be a wide range of subjects covered using this theme and others. Prizes will be presented in various categories including best effort, most humorous, children’s entry, schools, commercial, community and best overall float.
In the interests of the safety, participants, whether on floats or on foot, are asked to refrain from throwing sweets or any other objects from their entry, while float and vehicle owners are reminded about the need to have appropriate insurance.
Other entertainment on the day will include Francis Linnane and his helpers giving a display of vintage threshing at The Square, as well as a display of working vintage equipment.
Members of the Marie Gavin School of Dancing will give a display of step dancing before and after the parade and there will be traditional and modern music on the review stand. Members of the Western Veteran and Vintage Motor Club (Galway) and the Clare Classic and Vintage Club will take part.
Gort gardaí will operate a diversion for local traffic for the duration of the parade. The organisers ask all those participating in the parade with floats to approach the assembly area in Church Street via Glenbrack Road and the Blackwater/Tubber Road. Stewards are asked to be in position before 1pm and the organising committee are appealing for new stewards to help out on the day.