Pictured at the presentation of sponsorship by Tullamore Credit Union to the Tullamore St Patrick’s Day Parade were, from left to right, Johnny O’Connor; Catriona Lawlor, Member Engagement Controller; Caroline Collins, Deputy CEO Credit Union; Frankie O’Reilly; Siobhan Conroy, Public Relations; Catherine Galvin; Sean O’Brien; and Martin O’Connor.

Tullamore ready for its biggest parade to date

Published: Fri 13 Mar 2026, 4:11 PM

Preparations are being finalised for what promises to be an amazing St Patrick's Day Parade in Tullamore on Tuesday. Organisers are promising big bands, including the National Ambulance Pipe Band, dancing groups, great entertainment, sports clubs in big numbers and loads of colour.

The Grand Marshal is Tullamore’s very own Paris Olympian and World bronze medalist boxer Gráinne Walsh.

The parade starts at 11.30am sharp. All community groups are asked to assemble in the car park of the Bridge Centre, by 11am at the latest. The parade route is High St, Bridge St, Colmcille St, over the Kilbeggan Bridge and onto Arden Road. The finish point is the GAA Centre. Participant groups are asked not to drop out of the parade along the route and to continue straight to the GAA Centre on Arden Road.

The Review Stand is located on Colmcille St close to Macs Cabs. There will be entertainment here, provided by Tullamore Comhaltas, from 10.45am.

The official opening of the parade will be carried out by Grand Marshal Gráinne Walsh at 11.15am, and organisers hope to see a big crowd to give her a big welcome.

There’s a large and varied number of entries registered already and there is still time to enter, all you need to do is contact the Secretary, Sean O'Brien, on 086 3892854 or email seanobrientullamore@gmail.com

Organisers have asked all entrants and the public to please be safe and follow the instructions of stewards and Gardai at all times. There will be a special reserved seating area for elderly and wheelchair users. This is located directly across from the Review Stand.

There is also a special reserved Sensory Area in O' Connor Square. This area is closed to through traffic up to 3pm and it will be barriered off. Participants are asked not to create any loud noise while passing this area, especially motorbikes, cars and lorries.

Playtown Tullamore will provide free face-painting inside the front entrance to the Bridge Centre from 10.30am to 1pm. They will also introduce special guests to the crowd along the way, including "Woodie" and "Jessie" from Toy Story and Disney's "Tigger" and "Winnie The Pooh"

A special prize is awarded each year to the winner and runner-up in a window display competition. This year there is an added bonus of a €50 voucher to the shop assistant who is involved in the window display.

There are several prizes to be won in the various categories. These will include cash and very special trophies. This year, there is a prize for the "Best Dressed Dog".

These prizes will be presented at a Gala Presentation Night three weeks after the parade.

The committee has expressed its gratitude to its many sponsors and to local businesses whose generous support makes the parade possible. They thanked, in particular, Offaly County Council; Tullamore Municipal District; The Bridge Centre; Stephen Ravenhill and Des Henry for trucks to form the Review Stand; the Gardai; Order of Malta; St Mary's Youth and Community Centre; Durrow Hall; Mike Daly Landscaping; the judges; Tullamore Comhaltas; Macs Cabs.

Contacts for the Parade are: Frankie O'Reilly 087 2287550; Sean O'Brien 086 3892854; Martin O'Connor 083 1017012; Johnny O'Connor 087 2602487, email seanobrientullamore@gmail.com or www.stpatricksdaytullamore.com