Forty years celebrated at Tullamore St Patrick's Day Parade presentation night

THE Tullamore St. Patrick's Day Parade committee held their 40th Presentation Night on Friday last in Fergie's Bar and thanked the many organisations and businesses who have marched in the parade over the years.   

They also thanked the many official bodies and individuals who help with the organisation of the parade.

"We would like to sincerely thank  all the organisations  who made the effort to take part in this year's  parade and all the parades over the past 40 years,” said Master of Ceremonies, Sean O'Brien, parade Secretary/ PRO.

He added: “The efforts made by so many groups in preparing quality floats and entries is what makes the parade. The parade gives so many groups the opportunity to have some fun and also to inform the community about their organisation. It is a great opportunity for so many young people to feel proud of their organisation, themselves and their town or village. Thanks to the great committee and the many organisations and individuals who have helped us over the years."

Mr O'Brien also thanked: St. Joseph’s N.S. for setting the green agenda, Des Henry and Stephen Ravenhill for Trucks, Bridge Centre and John Cusack for Bridge Centre facilities, Macs Cabs for power and storage, St. Mary’s Youth Centre for chairs and steps, Durrow Hall for chairs, Mike Daly Landscaping for flowers and shrubs, Sgt John Doran and the Gardai for traffic control, John Connelly and Gerry Gannon and the workers from Tullamore Municipal Council, Martin Keating and Annagharvey Chauffeur Service, Tullamore Comhaltas for entertainment, Dave Lawlor , Sandra form Liaqbell for design, Playtown Tullamore for entertainment, the local media for great coverage of the Parade, Michael McGrath Photography, Our Business Sponsors, John Lee and Fergie Quinn and Eugene Kelly for meeting rooms, all the participants who made such great efforts with their entries, Order of Malta for First Aid services, parade judges Geraldine Byrne, Frank Nicholson and John Cusack, stewards Tom Dully, Jim McGovern, Mick Plunkett, John Whittaker and Ramo Miggur.

Mr O'Brien also paid tribute to committee members over the past 40 years who helped with organising the parade - John O’ Toole, Anne O’ Toole RIP, Kevin O’ Toole RIP, Seamus O’ Connor RIP, Syl Shelley RIP, John O’ Connor RIP, Sean Gilligan RIP, Hugh Geraghty, Tom Whelan, Eddie Dowling, Ray Murray, Tommy McKeigue, Declan Harvey, Olivia O’ Toole, Pascal Fox, Jimmy O’ Connor.

A special presentation was made by the committee to two long serving members, Sean O'Brien and Johnny O'Connor, who have been on the body since the parade was established in 1983. Both men also served as Grand Marshalls at this year's parade.