Hundreds of spectators are expected to flock to the twin communities of Killaloe and Ballina for their annual St Patrick’s Day Parade this Friday.
Participating floats are asked to assemble at Ballina GAA pitch from 1.30pm and will head across Killaloe Bridge between 2 and 2.30pm, up the Main Street and past the Reviewing Stand at the Green once the organisers get the green light from local gardai.
The parade is organised by the Féile Brian Ború committee, which consists of Paddy Collins, Arlene White, Cillian and Eugene McDonagh.
Speaking to the Clare Champion about the preparations for the parade, Paddy Collins said there is a great sense of anticipation ahead of this year’s parade.
“The parade was one of the first major events that united Ballina and Killaloe. It is an important to keep this tradition going. It provides a great family day out, particularly for kids,” he said.
Mr Collins confirmed the committee has got great support from local businesses and local Gardaí who play a key role in overseeing traffic arrangements and the temporary closure of traffic on the bridge while the parade is in full flow.
He stressed the parade celebrating the national patron saint is very important for local businesses as it attracts hundreds of additional people into the locality during a Bank Holiday and they in turn spend money in shops, bars and restaurants.
In addition to a large convoy of vintage cars and the Lough Derg Diving Unit for the first time, he expects a lot of the sporting and community organisations will be delighted to return to the streets of Ballina and Killaloe this Thursday.
Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories including Best Voluntary Group, Best Dressed Window, Best Business Float and Special Merit.
Dan Danaher
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.