BREAKING: All systems go as busy volunteers get everything in place for Offaly's biggest St Patrick's Day parade

Members of the St Patrick's Day parade committee and Offaly Volunteer Centre along with county council staff, Gardai, Civil Defence and the Order of Malta personnel are busy getting everything into place for today's spectacle in Tullamore.

Volunteers were out in force at Colmcille St at dawn preparing the review stand which is located at Colmcille St in the centre of the town.

Local sporting personalities will be Joint Grand Marshalls for the 2025 St. Patrick's Day parade later this morning and they will cut the ribbon to launch the parade at 11.00 a.m. at the Review Stand. 

Under 20 All Ireland 2024 Hurling Captain, Dan Bourke, and his team mates Dan Ravenhill and Cillian Martin, will be joined by Rugby Sevens Olympian, Jordan Conroy, to perform the opening of the Parade and they will then take their seats on the Review Stand.   Big crowds are expected so come early to get a good viewing spot.

Parade details
The Parade starts at 11.30 a.m. from the Assembly point in the Car Park of the Bridge Centre.   All groups are asked to be at this point by 11.00 a.m. at the latest.   Please co-operate fully with the Stewards and the Gardai.   The Route is High Street, Bridge St., Colmcille St., over the Kilbeggan Bridge and finish at the GAA Centre on Arden Road.  Groups cannot drop out early due to safety reasons.   The Review Stand is located near Macs Cabs on Colmcille St.
Entertainment
From 10.30 a.m. Tullamore Comhaltas will provide great entertainment at the Review Stand.   There will be a special reserved area for elderly and wheelchair users.

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Dogs Are Welcome
Dog owners are welcome to march in the Parade with their pets and as usual there will be prizes for the Best Dressed Dog.
Theme
The Theme this year is "Celebrating Culture and Heritage".   Entries are requested to reflect this theme in their entry.
Prizes
There are generous prizes for no less than ten categories in the Parade.   These prizes will be presented as a gala function on 4th April.   Thanks to our Judges John Cusack, Geraldine Byrne and Dave Lawlor.
Free Face Painting
The very popular free Face Painting will be available for all children again this year inside the front door of the Bridge Centre from 10.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Cartoon Characters
Cartoon characters will roam around to say Hello before and during the Parade.   This year we will be entertained by "Woodie", "Jessie", "Cookie Monster" and "Upsy Daisy".

READ NEXT: https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/tullamore-tribune/1754906/offaly-village-to-punch-above-its-weight-with-one-of-county-s-biggest-parades.html