Thousands of people turned out to enjoy St Patrick’s Day parades in towns and villages all over County Clare. The biggest parade was in Ennis where Pakie Wall from Kilmihil – the oldest Patrick in Clare – was grand marshal. We capture all the excitement and colour of the parades in photos.
ENNIS:
Rory Casey and Pat Liddy of the Fleadh committee preparing their float before the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Bellharbour musician Chris Droney during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Nathan Mc Carthy, Aoife Mc Namara and Eva Mc Carthy during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Brock Semahedi captures it all on camera during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Local lad Calum Breen looks on during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Grand Marshall 97 year old Pakie Wall of Kilmihil accompanied by his daughter Carmel Bohannon during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Grand Marshall 97 year old Pakie Wall of Kilmihil accompanied by his daughter Carmel Bohannon during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Miss Clare and the Clare Rose during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Pat Foudy with his car load of ladies during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
A strange woman tries to attract the attention of this Ennis Brass band member during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Girl Guides go green during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Remembering 1916 during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Eire Og, Ennis marching during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Cian Fitzgerald and his dad Michael marching in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Vintage cars during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Keeping the noise levels up during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Fleadh 2016 float during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Fleadh 2016 dancers step it out during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Fidelma O Shea and her son Aaron marching in a previous St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Lauren Lynch and Roisin Malone marching in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Liam Moran and Jake O Loughlin of Ennis Tae Kwon Do perform during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Adam Gomez looks on during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Aidan Morris and Darren Rigney perform the art of Tae Kwon Do during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
A “casualty” of the vintage car section is pushed to safety during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Fleadh 2016 dancers step it out during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Fleadh 2016 dancers step it out during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Members of the Clare Youth Theatre during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Adah and Anne Enright marching with the Clare Crusaders during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Ennis RFC’s Frank Lynch, Ben Smitth and Aaron Malone during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Scott O Loughlin Kelly of banner GAA marching in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Jamie Hogan of Ennis takes time out during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Serwaa Akoto, right and Comfort Ofei dancing during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Members of the Foundation Ministries church marching during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis last year. Photograph by John Kelly.
Members of the Foundation Ministries church marching during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Walking tall during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Ennis Town FC during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Hanna O Halloran meets a very tall man in the arms of her mother Anne Marie during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Famous and the Fame crew during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Kasia Kowalska of the Irish Polish community blowing bubbles during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Inga Mankayi performing during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Ella from Ennis Tidy Towns with her fowl on board her bike during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Indian Irish association during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Watching all the action during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Members of the Irish Polish community in their traditional dress during a previous St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Members of the Irish Polish community in their traditional dress during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
Members of the Irish Polish community in their traditional dress during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis. Photograph by John Kelly.
GORT:
“Born Lucky” during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Padraig Hynes of Tynagh with his cart load of turf during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Conor Flaherty and Sarah O Donnell top off a cart of turf during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Grand Marshall David Curley of Kilbeacanty is driven in a horse drawn carriage during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Members of the Galway Blazers hunt parading during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Martin Mc Grath doing his bit during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Marian Cahill Collins, Ellen Keane and Fiona Dervan decked out in vintage fashion during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Pupils of Lough Cutra school performing on their float during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Tom Moran marching during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Margaret Quill looks dangerous with her chosen rebel weapon during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Marian Fahy on her vintage bike during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Briana and Aoife Jane Hayes with their father Martin on his vintage tractor during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Maria and Bernadette Keehan having fun during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Children enjoy the spin on an open float during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Johnny Tynan and his son Rory in their vintage car during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Behind you all the way…during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Cinderella meets the crowd during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Isis Roberts tucks into a green queen cake during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
A Garda helps with a broken down vintage car during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Grand Marshall David Curley of Kilbeacanty is driven in a horse drawn carriage during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
Grand Marshall David Curley of Kilbeacanty is driven in a horse drawn carriage during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort. Photograph by John Kelly.
KILLALOE:
The Boru Drummers keeping rhythm during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Steve Coakley and the Boru Drummers keeping rhythm during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Brian Murray as the main man during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Brian Murray as the main man during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Brian Murray as the main man meets with children during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Irish Coastguard were represented during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Brian Mc Grath on his unicycle during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Tracey O Donovan and her Pink Ribbon Walk friends during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Pink Ribbon Walk supporters marching during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Lough Derg FC girls marching during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Sharon Monaghan looks on with her camera in hand during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Pink Ribbon Walk supporters marching during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Soo Ling looks on during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Smith O Brien’s players all decked out during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Ballina Killaloe Rugby team players drive on during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Young Birdhill FC players marching in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Former Irish international and Lions rugby player Keith Wood watching the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Dylan Mier of Ballina GAA Club cheers on his team during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Some chose to watch the festivities from the comfort of the local chipper during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Young children get excited on catching a first glimpse of the floats during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Stefanie Mitchell with her Hot Dogs during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Ian Mulqueen as the main man during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Tony Lees and Bernie Aherne with dog Molly in a wooden car during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Matthew Quinn enjoying all the excitement during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
The scouts camping out during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
1916 was not forgotten during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
1916 was not forgotten during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Alison Houlihan and Margaret Hogan of Birdhill Tidy Towns on their vintage bikes during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Killaloe. Photograph by John Kelly.
TULLA:
A man stretches to keep a leg against the baby’s buggy as he takes a photo during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Erica and Caroline O Riardon of Kilkishen with Oreo and Kennedy during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Tulla Pipe band marching during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Tulla Pipe band marching during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Local children march during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Green is the theme of the local national school entry during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Little Gemma Murphy makes a “solo run” during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Little Gemma Murphy makes a “solo run” during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Pat Mc Namara is a little tied up during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Jack In The Box heads off during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
A spring in their step during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
A senior gun club member with his gun during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Gun club members with their hounds and guns during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
On the final furlong during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
On the final furlong during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
On the final furlong during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Denis Stephens on his vintage Fordson Dexta during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Kieran Quinn multi tasking from his vintage Ferguson 20 during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Pat Walsh with his sons mark and darragh during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Kevin Scanlon with his faithful friend during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
Paul Cooney had blessings for all during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Fr Ted gang appear during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Voice of Kerry depicting the Healy Raes during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
A hopping pink car during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
David Murphy, Tara Cleary and Niamh Mc Mahon during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla. Photograph by John Kelly.
SHANNON:
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Grand Marshal of the Shannon Parade Grace Drysdale (4) who is the Great Great Grandaughter of Tomas McDonagh pictured with her mother Michelle during the Shannon Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Caoimhe (5) and Aaron Ashton (6) during the Shannon Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Molly Hall (4) and Caoimhe Roche (4) during the Shannon Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Frank Ryan with 4 year old Cassy during the Shannon Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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L-R Ciara Hogan, Jessica Foley, Ella morris, Zara Whelan and Shauna O’Brien, all aged 11, during the Shannon Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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All set to go during the Shannon Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Safe Hands…Conor Flynn with Adam (2) and Elena (4) during the Shannon Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Marek with 4 year old Kaia during the Shannon Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Ellie Hinsley, Drumline, during the Shannon Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Waiting patiently for the Shannon Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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L-R Sinead Liddy, Hazel Park and Siobhan Weir of Shannon Musical Society during the Shannon Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Kyle McInerney (8), Twins Sarah and Aoibhinn Keane (6), Scott Deere (10), Layla Wall (3) and Oran McInerney (6) during the Shannon Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
KILRUSH:
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Large crowds turned out for the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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2 year old Oliver Neenan and his dad Kevin got to meet Peppa Pig during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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A trigger happy Grainne Fenlon during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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L-R Rebecca Considine (5), Emma Linnane (8) and Iseult O’Donnell (6) during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Christina O’Connor looking for the Vote during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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A gay wedding takes place during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Bumper to Bumper during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Ella O’Looney and Clodagh McMahon during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Catherine Clancy and Geraldine Coote during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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A Minion needs some running repairs during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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1916 soldier Chris Robinson “Checks In” during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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One man and his dog during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Matthew Bermingham starts his engine during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Sean Hayes and Ruairi Hayes (2) during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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And they’re off… during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Hungarian born Csilla Trungel with Aron (8) and Csilla (10) get a good vantage point in Kellys Restaurant during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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4 year old Tadgh McMahon with his dad Michael during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Lining the streets during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Tommy Downes with Hannah Murphy-Downes (4) and Lucy Murphy-Downes (6) during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
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Michelle Downes and Emma Walsh during the Kilrush Parade on Thursday.Pic Arthur Ellis.
LISDOONVARNA:
The Maghery Marching Fife and Drum Band, Donegal, performing during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Maghery Marching Fife and Drum Band, Donegal, performing during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Fr Conor Cunningham, PP with his dog Bella, Teresa Conneely and Cathy O Connell adjudicating during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Michaela Treacy of the Maghery Marching Fife and Drum Band, Donegal, performing during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Paddy Howley as St Patrick during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Pupils of St Enda’s national school performing during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Hogan family from Dublin watching the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
John Hogan of Ballyvaughan on his vintage tractor during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Gerry Davoren with his Famine special meals including a rat on the go during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Gerry Davoren’s Famine special meals including a rat during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Gerry Davoren with his Famine special meals including a rat on the go during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Kieran and Adrian Lyons blasting out the tunes from a transport box during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
The Scooby Do float during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Niall Minogue with his daughters Abbie and Sophie on their trike during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Bikers making lots of smoke and noise during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Bikers making lots of smoke and noise during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Pat Haugh dishing out treats during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Courtney Boyle of the Maghery Marching Fife and Drum Band, Donegal, performing during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Brenda Howley blowing bubbles during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Mike Howley on his vintage tractor during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Niall Minogue with his daughters Abbie and Sophie on their trike during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Bikers during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
Pat Haugh on his Honda 50 during the St Patrick’s Day parade held on Saturday in Lisdoonvarna. Photograph by John Kelly.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.
