Community spirit is main theme for local parade

Final preparations are ongoing for this year's long-awaited St Patrick's Day Parade in Tullamore.

According to Cllr Sean O'Brien, Parade Secretary there is great interest in the parade with many new groups entering. "People just want to get out and put the restrictions of Covid 19 behind them. There is still time to enter the Parade and if groups just turn up on the day we will facilitate them."

Businesses are welcome to enter a float and will assemble at Kilcruttin. Business entries should be a maximum of two vehicles and payment can be made in advance or on the day.

Cllr O'Brien, Parade Secretary says "Our theme is 'Community Spirit' and we want all groups in Tullamore to get involved. There are fantastic prizes for many categories of entries and as usual there will be good competition."

The parade will take place on Thursday, March 17 starting at 11.30am assembling in the car park of the Bridge Centre.

The route will go through High Street, Bridge Street, Colmcille Ctreet, over the Kilbeggan Bridge and onto Arden Road with dispersal at the GAA Centre.

Dog owners are welcome to march with their pets and there will be a special prize on the day for the Best Dressed Dog. There will also be a Window Display Competition and a special Trophy for the winner.

Further information is available at www.stpatricksdaytullamore.com

In Clara, Cormac Delaney, Edward Cullen and Adam Kelly, the three Clara members of last year's All-Ireland winning U20 Offaly panel will be honoured at this year's parade.

Liam Dumpleton of Midlands 103 has been announced as Parade Marshal for this year's St Patrick's day parade in Clara.