Ireland's oldest man to be honoured in Offaly as Bertie marks 50 years as St Patrick's Day parade organiser

A LEGENDARY referee and Ireland's oldest man will be honoured at this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Clara.

Referee Carthage (Catch) Buckley will officially cut the tape at this year's parade on Tuesday, March 17 next, and he will be joined by Ireland's oldest man, Paddy Claffey (104) from nearby Ferbane, who is the Grand Marshall..

This year's parade is a special occasion as it marks 50 years since organiser Bertie McMahon organised his first parade in the town, the Christmas event in 1976.

As always the parade in honour of our patron saint will be a colourful spectacle with floats, Irish dancers and much more.

The parade will commence at 12.20pm on St Patrick's Day.

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Catch Buckley has an impressive record as a referee and footballer

He refereed many games in Offaly and also the U21 and minor All-Irelands in 1985 and 1986. He also referred the All-Ireland senior semi final and the replay between Cork and Galway in 1987 as well as two league semi finals, five U21 semi finals and Raiway Cup finals and semi finals.

In his footballing days he played all grades of football with Clara and Ballycumber.

It has been confirmed that the National ambulance service pipe and drums band and colour party will take part in this year's parade.

The band is celebrating it's 20th year in existence and is made up of serving and retired members of the HSE national ambulance service from around the country.

In addition to the ambulance service band, the local award winning Clara town band will take pride of place as usual while the Mullingar town band, who have previously featured on BBC TV will be present again this year.

Meanwhile, its been revealed that parade organiser Bertie McMahon is in discussions with the Easter Bunny in an effort to bring him to Clara early this year.

The Clara parade, traditionally one of the largest in the midlands, starts at 12.30pm on Fredrick Street travelling up River Street and Main street past the reviewing stand in the Square.

It will be preceded by a concert in the Square starting at 11.30am.

There will be music from the James Kinsella Ceili Band and dancing with Rahan Comhaltas, Durrow Dancers, Conroy Dancers, Christian Concannon Youth Dancers.

There will be songs from the man of many voices, PJ Quade and special guest is Megan O'Hara from Tubber with her mother Teresa.

The Parade Queen this year is well known popular local woman, Elizabeth Fleming.

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Master of Ceremonies for the parade is Barry Flynn, who has filled the role for 35 years, ably assisted by his sons, Adam and Aaron.

The national anthem will be played on the trumpet by Podge Kavanagh and there will also be a special tribute to Mie World Education school, Clara, run by Sinead Cornally.

Stage Managers will be Jack Rabbitee and Sons and the reviewing and band stands are provided by D & G Transport, Tullamore.

Organiser Bertie McMahon has thanked all the sponsors and those who have given to church gate collections in Clara and Tubber.

He also thanked his team of helpers, Clara and Tullamore Gardai, Celsus Doolan, Ollie O'connor, Martin O'Connor, Mark Purcell, Kevin Roe, Des Dunne, the Flynn family, Andy Cunnngham, Clara Resource Centre, Ricey Scully, Michael O'Connor, DonaldO'Connor, Gordon Healy and Sons, Eamon Cunningham, Shauna O'Connor, Willie Hyland, Colm Buckley and all who helped in any way.

Sincere sympathy also to the Pettit family on the death of Michael, who was a long time member of the St Patrick's Day parade committee.