Ireland's oldest man opens bumper St Patrick's Day parade in Offaly town

Ireland's oldest man, 104-year-old Paddy Claffey was the Grand Marshall of the St Patrick's Day parade in Clara which this year marked its 50^th anniversary.

Paddy was flanked by parade organiser, Bertie McMahon for the important occasion which RTE camera crews were on hand to record.

Thousands of spectators thronged streets in towns and villages across Offaly as colourful parades took place at a number of centres to celebrate St Patrick's Day on Tuesday.

In Tullamore, Olympian boxer, Grainne Walsh was honoured as Grand Marshall while Dancing with the Stars finalist, singer Tolu Makay was guest of honour.

The spectacular parade featured a huge number of entries including bands pumping out toe-tapping airs and floats from a number of local community and sporting groups, includingTullamore Tidy Towns committee.

Parades also took place in Mountbolus, Rhode, Daingean, Edenderry, Kilcormac and Banagher.

In Tullamore one of the highlights of the biggest parade in the town's history was the National Ambulance Service Band, which visited for the first time.

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Clara Town Band also took part as did Mullingar Town Band which entranced spectators with a rendition of Dolores O'Riordan's hit "Zombie".

As is customary a huge number of sports clubs from the town and surrounding areas took part including Tullamore GAA club, Tullamore camogie club and Tullamore basketball club.

One of the highlights of the parade was the entry from Tullamore Tidy Towns which featured a huge number of volunteers and a float advocating its green message.

Local business, "The King Oak" also entered a float featuring a tractor carved from wood, highlighting the large range of quality products available at the Cloncollig outlet.

St Patrick popped up on a number of occasions throughout the parade which popular local man, Charlie Whittaker leading the way on motorbike.

A large number of volunteers took part in the entries from St Mary's Youth and Community Centre and the Tullamore Indian Association.

The parade took over an hour and a half to pass the reviewing stand with Master of Ceremonies, Sean O'Brien – who is secretary of the organising committee – providing informative commentary on each of the entries.

Meanwhile, in his sermon at 8.30am Mass in the Church of the Assumption in Tullamore earlier that morning, Very Rev. Fr Joe Gallagher PP said St Patrick's message of reconciliation is still important in today's world, which is torn apart with war and conflict.

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