Mayos gather for St Patrick’s festival

Mayos gather for St Patrick’s festival events


Ciara Galvin and Austin Garvin

The parade is undoubtedly the most integral part of any St Patrick’s Day. And in towns and villages across the county there are committees and members of various communities on the final stretch of preparations.
Speaking to The Mayo News ahead of this year’s Castlebar parade, committee secretary Johnny Mee, who has been involved in the county town’s parades for 20 years now, explained that this year’s theme is ‘The Races of Castlebar’. “We expect to have people in period costume. It’s a great community gathering with people coming from all over Ireland to Castlebar to watch it (the parade),” he said.
The parade kicks off at 2.30pm next Sunday and will be led by a military colour party and the Castlebar concert band. Master of Ceremonies will be The Mayo News entertainment correspondent Henry McGlade.
Moving south of the border, the community of Shrule is putting the final touches to this year’s 37th St Patrick’s Day parade, which will include a new section sponsored by the Shrule newsletter.
A prize will be given to the most imaginative dress for a child or youth.
With the inclusion of the No Name Club, the GAA and the local athletics club, Vincent Walshe, one of the parade organisers, said it was no wonder crowds were getting bigger for the event.
“People here see it as the beginning of spring. If I could put a theme on the parade I would say it’s the ‘Have a Smile and Let The Gloom Go By’ parade.
Speaking about the extra appeal of The Gathering, Mr Walshe said the national event will add to festivities.
“We get the overflow from Galway, and with many people having emigrated to England and the east coat of America, many of those will be coming back for the parade.”
Sponsored this year by Comhaltas Ceoltóiri, Walshe said the parade will be about humour and ‘having a laugh’, and many local groups will be adding their comedic touch.
Going east, Kiltimagh will be embracing international music for its parade. The Quaker City String Band from Philadelphia will be making its 25th visit – and accounting for 100 of the many visitors to the town. The town will also be welcoming the seventh appearance of the Oldham Scottish Pipe Band. Committee member Zeta Shovlin said this year’s parade will take on The Gathering theme and is set to be a ‘vibrant event’.
“In Kiltimagh the parade is seen as the people’s festival, they’re known for their floats and he community feeling,” said Ms Shovlin.
Meanwhile, The Claremorris St Patrick’s Day Parade promises to be the most colourful and spectacular to date. The Parade will be officially opened by Jimmy Flynn, President of the Chamber of Commerce at 2pm. The theme of this year’s parade is also The Gathering.
The pre-parade street entertainment, which starts at 1pm, will be supplied by Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Eireann, the MaSamba Samba Band from Dublin and the Tall Bicycles. The ever-popular French Markets will in the Square during the parade, and there will also be bouncy castles and slides for the children.
The Balla Pipe Band, together with the 39 piece Ramelton Town Band, the current All Ireland Fleadh Champions from Donegal will lead the Claremorris parade.

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