Music and memories at the heart of Clara parade
There will be music, dancing and entertainment aplenty at the St Patrick's Day festivities in Clara on Tuesday March 17.
The St Patrick's Day events get underway at 11.30am with a concert in The Square with a packed programme of music and dancing.
Attendees will enjoy 'Reeling in the Years' on the big screen featuring Paddy Bracken, Tony Allen, Tom Allen, John Hogan, Dave Lawlor and Teresa O'Hara, and remembering also the late Matt Fleming, Gerry Rock and Catch Berry.
There will be live music by Rahan CCE, Joe O'Reilly and Martin Poland, dancing from The Conroy Dancers from Mullingar and Athlone, Roisin O'Hara, Alex Roe and the Celtic Blondes.
The National Anthem will be performed by Lisa Fitzpatrick from the Green, and the great Barry Flynn will be MC for the day.
The parade starts at Charlestown Bridge at 12.30pm, with the official opening in the town square. The parade will be officially launched by Fr Joe Deegan, PP Clara, Fr Tony Gavin, PP Tubber, and Clara's oldest and most loved entertainer Paddy Bracken.
There will be tributes also to the late John Buckley, Johnny Fitzpatrick, Noel Fitzpatrick, Robbie McCormack, Noel Molloy, Peter Bracken, Jimmy 'The Star' Dunne and Eamon Fleming.
Participants are reminded that the allocated numbers for each float are to be placed on the right side of the vehicle or car. Marching bands are requested to spend at least two minutes at the reviewing stand, and any band wishing to hold a longer recital is welcome to do so after the parade has passed.
Parade organiser Bertie McMahon would like to wish all participants, viewers and sponsors a very happy St Patrick's Day, and to thank especially all who gave to the collections at the church gates in Clara and Tubber.
He also gave special mention to the team of volunteers: Clara and Tullamore Gardaí, Charlie Daly, Ollie O'Conner (Sr and Jr), La'verne Gibbons, Mark Purcell, Andy Cunningham, Kevin Roe, Michelle Kenny, Martin O'Connor, Marty O'Connor, Desmond Dunne, John Lowe, Michael Gavin Jr, Joe Rock, Celsus Doolan, Colin and Mary Buckley, Eamon Cunningham, Tim McMahon, the Flynn family, Clara Youth Reach, Family Resource Centre and Clara Parish Centre.