Preparations continue for St Patrick’s Day parade in Clara

Preparations are continuing for the hosting of this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Clara.

Always a popular occasion in the town's social fabric, the parade's organiser-in-chief Bertie McMahon said there's great interest from local sporting organisations and community groups who want to take part in the event on March 17.

The renowned community figure is celebrating 50 years of organising parades locally, dating back to 1976 when he brought the community together for the town's Christmas parade.

"We don't have a committee, but when the time (for the parade) comes around I know I can call on the Clara community for their support," Bertie said.

He stated that five bands have been lined up to participate in this year's parade: Clara Town Band, the National Ambulance Service Pipe Band, Mullingar Town Band, the Mountbolus Pipe Band and the Athy Town Band from Kildare.

He hopes to have a similar number of floats participating in this year's parade to that of the 2025 showcase, when there were over 60 entries on the day.

"There will be live traditional music and song from the James Kinsella Céilí band at 11.30am prior to the start of the parade. They will be accompanied by the Rahan CCE dancers, Conroy dancers and the Christian Concannon youth dancers," Bertie said.

This year's parade is notable for the fact that Paddy Claffey, believed to be the oldest man in Ireland, will serve as grand marshal for the event. The Ferbane native is 104 years old and is due to turn 105 in April.

Tubber's Megan O'Hara, who reached the semi-final stage of TG4's country music show Glór Tire, has been confirmed as a special guest, along with her mother, Teresa O'Hara, while Clara native Podge Kavanagh will play the national anthem on his trumpet before the parade gets underway.

The parade will be officially started by one of Offaly's most distinguished GAA referees, Carthage Buckley, with MC duties provided by Barry Flynn and his sons, Adam and Aaron.

Bertie thanked all sponsors and supporters of the parade in advance of the national feast day event.

"To those who gave money at the church gate collections in Clara and Tubber I want to say 'thank you'. I also wish to thank my team of helpers and all the volunteers who give of their time to make sure our parade is one of the best in the Midlands every year," Bertie said.