Stalwarts chosen as Grand Marshalls of Tullamore's St Patrick's day Parade

PARADE stalwarts Johnny O’Connor and Sean O’Brien have been chosen by the committee to be Joint Grand Marshalls for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Tullamore.

This is the 40th anniversary of the founding of the parade and both Johnny and Sean are the two remaining members of the original parade committee.

“The committee unanimously agreed to ask both Johnny and Sean to be Joint Grand Marshalls this year as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the parade. They are the two remaining members of the first committee and they have given a lot to build the parade into the largest in the Midlands.

"Many new members have come on board over the years and the parade is now very well established to continue for many years to come. Both Johnny and Sean have given so much of their time and talents to the organisation of the parade and the Ccmmittee are delighted that they will be Joint Grand Marshalls for this special year,” stated Martin O’ Connor, Parade Treasurer.

“We are delighted to announce that Dave Lawlor, Tullamore’s talented and well known singer, will sing Amhran Na Bhfiann before the Parade starts. With the Tullamore Camogie Club celebrating their 50th Anniversary, the Army Band Athlone performing and celebrating their 100th Anniversary, Tullamore Credit Union celebrating a 60th Anniversary and ourselves celebrating a 40th Anniversary, it promises to be a really special Parade this year,” outlined Sean O’ Brien, Parade Secretary.

The parade takes place on Friday, March 17, starting at 11.30 a.m. The assembly point is the car park of the Bridge Centre, large vehicles will assemble in Kilcruttin and opposite the Courthouse in Cormac St. All entries are requested not to leave the Parade before the finishing point at the GAA Centre on the Arden Road.

Entertainment will be provided at the review stand outside Texas Store from 10.45 on the morning of the parade so come early to get a good viewing spot and enjoy the entertainment.

The theme this year is “Tidy Towns-Our Community Effort - Is Feidir Linn Le Cheile”. The efforts of the Tidy Towns Committee in Tullamore add greatly to our town and with a little more effort from the whole community Tullamore can win a major National Award. Organisers are asking all entries to reflect the theme in their entry.

Face painting takes place outside the front entrance to the Bridge Centre and outside the Bank of Ireland and this is free.

Groups can still enter the parade, simply email seanobrientullamore@gmail.com The Website is www.stpatricksdaytullamore.com

Businesses are reminded that there is a special prize for the Best Window Display and already many windows have been beautifully decorated. Judging for this takes place during St. Patrick’s Week.

Dog owners are very welcome to walk with their pets in the parade are there are prizes for the Best Dressed Dogs . . . don’t forget your pooper scooper.

There will be a special reserved area for wheelchair users and elderly persons opposite the Review Stand.

Contacts for the parade are Sean O’ Brien 086 3892854; Johnny O’ Connor 087 2602487; Martin O’ Connor 083 1017012; Frankie O’ Reilly 087 2287550