National Ambulance Service Pipe Band and colour party for Tullamore St Patrick's Day parade

THE National Ambulance Service Pipe Band, Colour Party and a sample of vehicles will feature prominently in this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Tullamore for the first time ever.

"We are delighted to announce that the National Ambulance Service Pipe Band and their Colour Party will play a prominent part in this year's Parade in Tullamore. They will also have a sample of their many life saving vehicles. We feel honoured that the Service has accepted our invitation to partake in our Parade and it will add to the many new entries to our Parade each year" states Sean O' Brien, Parade Secretary.

The Parade takes place on Tuesday 17th March, starting at 11.30 a.m. sharp from the Car Park of the Bridge Centre, marching through the centre of the town and finishing at the GAA Centre on the Arden Road.

Grainne Walsh, Offaly and Irish Olympian and World Bronze Medalist in Boxing will be Grand Marshall this year and a huge crowd is expected to welcome her on the day.

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The Theme this year is "Beannachtai La Fheile Phadraig", meaning the Blessings of the Feast of St. Patrick on all. This theme gives participants the opportunity to look at the part St. Patrick's Day plays in our history and heritage and all groups are asked to reflect this in their entries. As usual there will be excellent prizes for the winners of several categories on the day and these prizes will be presented at a gala function soon after the Parade.

A Church Gate Collection for the Parade will be held on 21st and 22nd February and the Committee are asking the public to support this as all funds go towards the organisation of the Parade.

Letters have been sent to many businesses in the area seeking a financial contribution and the Committee wish to thank the business community in the area for their generosity over the years; this ensures that Tullamore continues to have the biggest Parade in the Midlands each year.

If any local organisation wants further information about the Parade or wishes to enter the Parade the following are the contact details.

Frankie O' Reilly, 087 2287550; Sean O' Brien, 086 3892854; Martin O' Connor, 083 1017012; Johnny O' Connor, 087 2602487.

Parade website www.stpatricksdaytullamore.com

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