Welcoming new arrivals and celebrating community spirit were big themes during 56th Birr Vintage Parade

WELCOMING new arrivals to Birr and celebrating community spirit were two of the big themes during Sunday afternoon's 56^{th Birr}Vintage Week Parade.

The weather forecast was poor but thankfully the rain held off and large crowds were treated to an excellent show featuring vintage cars, vintage tractors, a steam engine, vintage bikes, stiltwalkers, marching bands and, in general, a great display of colour and energy.

MC for the occasion Emma Nee Haslam gave a big, warm, friendly welcome to the large crowds lining the streets. “We extend a big welcome to family and friends who have returned home from abroad specially for this occasion,” she said, adding that the festival is “steeped in tradition” and is a very important community event. She pointed out that the Parade is held in high regard and deep affection by the people of Birr and South Offaly.

Emma also remembered those dearly loved people who were strongly associated with the festival and have now passed away: Dan Coolahan (who died shortly after last year's Vintage Week), Nessa McManus, Frank Gallagher and Ann O'Meara (who was a committee member and strongly connected with the week for many years).

The MC praised Chairperson Caroline Conway and “her wonderful team who have worked so hard to plan and prepare over several months. They are supported during the week by 48 volunteers.”

She praised Birr Tidy Towns who have done a lot of greatly appreciated work beautifying the town.

Heather Colohan of Birr Stage Guild sang Amhrán na bhFiann and John Carroll officially launched the festival.

“John Carroll is the quintessential Birr person,” continued the MC. “He has been deeply committed to community activity for many years. He was an elected representative from 1985 to last June. As a community activist he played a leading role in such projects as Birr Playground, Birr Swimming Pool, and the Crinkle Handball Alley. He was a co-founder of community group Birr 20:20. The promotion of the Irish language has been a passion of John's for many years. He has also been involved in a number of local community groups."

John welcomed everyone to the “historic parade” and said he felt very honoured and privileged to be officially launching the parade and festival. Speaking in Irish for a while, he said a lot of people visit the town during the week, a time when the locals celebrate the richness of the town's heritage. “It is a very special occasion when we see many of our old friends and family members come back to our town to celebrate with us, when we celebrate all that is good about our town.” He praised the festival committee who are overseeing about a hundred events during the week.

“At this time I also remember all of those people who were on former Vintage Week committees but who are no longer with us, going back to the first one in 1968. I remember that week in 1968. Much was similar. In '68 we also had steam engines, vintage cars and vintage dress. However, much was different. The Main Street was two way traffic with parking on both sides. Main Street also had a filling station. The currency was pounds, shillings and pence. We would change to decimal currency in February '71 and to Euros in January 2002. We had over 30 pubs; now there are 13. In 1968 immigration wasn't the significant issue it is now. Unlike '68, today we are a multicultural society. The people of Birr have responded brilliantly again and again to our new arrivals, we have shown again and again that we are very willing to be an inclusive society.” He then declared Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival 2024 officially open, following which the parade got underway.

The following is a list of some of the entrants in this year's parade:

The Cavanagh Family and their 1892 McLaren steam engine. Built in Leeds, this machine can reach a speed of 5 mph. It was used to thresh corn in South Offaly and North Tipperary.

Eight year old Seán Donegan from Blueball on his 1920s Penny Farthing.

Patrick Cleary in a 1916 army truck, driven in memory of Dan Coolahan, one of the festival's great supporters.

Michael O'Sullivan driving a 1963 Baby Austin.

Joe Malone in a beautifully restored 1967 Jaguar.

Patrick McIntyre in a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle.

Padraig O'Tooley in a 1970 Buick Skylark.

John Donegan in a 1967 Ford Anglia.

Four beautifully kept cars belonging to Skip Heinecke, including a 1957 Ford Thunderbird, two mercedes benz and a jaguar.

Stiltwalkers from Alchemy Arts.

Members of the Street Theatre group “Quam Absurdum”, one of whom was holding aloft a sign saying “Carpe Vinum” (seize the wine)!

The Red Embers Bellydancing Group. This was their third year in a row taking part in the parade. They also put on a very enjoyable performance in The Growery on Saturday evening.

An LOETB vehicle advertising its courses. You can check out the many opportunities, including the apprenticeship courses, on their website.

The Order of Malta, which has been part of the community for 30 years. Members generously give their time voluntarily to provide a very important service.

A Blackbull Threshing Festival float called “A day on the bog”. This year's festival is Sunday August 25th.

Members of Birr Ju-Jitsu Club gave demonstrations along the route.

John Lee driving a 1973 Massey Ferguson.

Patrick Guidera driving a 1983 David Brown tractor.

Dan Coolahan's nephew Eugene Cleary driving a 1982 David Brown.

Patrick Molloy on a 1956 Massey Ferguson.

Cloughjordan Circus Club (founded by Joanna Williams) with a giant puppet.

A number of children and Caoimhe Dunn with their colourful, imaginative “River Flow”, which they spent six weeks preparing in the old cinema on Brendan Street.

Peter Bennett on his 1954 Fordson Major tractor. This was Peter's tenth time in the parade.

Dan Harte in a 1971 Massey Ferguson.

John O'Brien and his fellow Camcor Riders, who have organised many charity events over the years.

Patrick Ryan on a butcher's bike.

Seán Guilfoyle in a 1949 Daimler.

PARADE WINNERS

Best Sport Group: Birr Ju Jitsu Club
Best Community Group: LOETB Birr
Best Float: Black Bull Threshing