International flavour as sports stars open Offaly's biggest St Patrick's Day parade

THERE was an international flavour to this year's Tullamore St Patrick's Day parade with entries from the Ukrainian, Indian and African communities based in the Offaly capital.

The colourful spectacle – which took an hour and half to pass the reviewing stand in William St – featured a host of entries reflecting the rich community life of Tullamore and district.

The theme this year was "Celebrating Culture and Heritage" and many participants reflected this in their entries.

Again sports clubs were to the fore emphasising the importance of all codes to young and old in the county.

Fittingly Under 20 All Ireland 2024 hurling captain, Dan Bourke, and his team mates Dan Ravenhill and Cillian Martin, were joined by Rugby Sevens Olympian, Jordan Conroy, as Grand Marshalls, to perform the opening of the parade before they took their seats on the review stand.

Also on the stand were local Dail Deputies Carol Nolan, Tony McCormack and John Clendennen, Fr Fergal Cummins CC, local councillors Declan Harvey and Shane Murray, Offaly County Council's Director of Services, Noel Gorman, Parade Committee President, John O'Toole, Tullamore GAA PRO, Johnno Kinahan and judges, Geraldine Byrne, John Cusack and Dave Lawlor.

Masters of Ceremonies, Parade Secretary, Cllr Sean O'Brien – ably assisted by committee colleague, Catherine Galvin – provided insightful commentary on each of the 38 entries for the thousands of people lining the streets.

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Toe tapping airs from many entries kept the crowds in good spirits despite the cold conditions with St Mary's Youth and Community Centre's joyous rendition of "I'm an Believer" being particularly popular.

The number is from the centre's production of Shrek which will be staged later this month and unsurprisingly St Mary's scooped the overall award.

Another musical display with a difference was provided by the colourful entry from the Tullamore Indian Association which featured three different performances.

A huge number of natives of India, based in Tullamore, formed part of the entry which secured the Most Entertaining Entry Award.

"Ireland's Call" and "The Dawning of the Day" also featured from the bands which took part with hardy annual Mullingar Town Band being deemed the Best Band by the judges.

As is customary, Gaeilscoil an Eiscir Riada, provided a thoughtful entry reflecting the parade's theme to secure it the Best School Entry Award.

New entries included the Ukrainian community, Cornerstone Slieve Bloom Church and the Offaly Africa Support Group.

The strong links between Ireland and Ukraine since the Russian invasion was reflected in their entry which featured traditional costumes ensuring it captured the Best New Entry Award.

Sports took no less than three awards – Best Community Entry: Tullamore AFC; Best Youth Entry – Tullamore Basketball Club and Best Sports Entry – Tullamore Schoolboys and Girls soccer club.

A huge number of other local sporting clubs took part in the parade including Tullamore GAA Club, Tullamore Camogie Club, Tullamore Hockey Club, Shamrocks GAA Club and Tullamore Rugby Club.

The strength of the local business community was shown in entries from KC Motor Cycles and King Oak, with the former taking the Best Business Entry award.

Entries entitled "Two Rottweilers" and "Two Offaly dogs" took the honours in the Best Dressed Dog and runner-ups awards.

Earlier, at the official opening, Cllr Sean O'Brien paid tribute to all those involved in ensuring the success of the parade – the committee, Offaly County Council, whose staff had been on the streets at 7am that morning, the Orde of Malta, the local gardai, the sponsors, St Mary's Youth Centre, Durrow Community Centre, Offaly Volunteer Centre, Mac's Cabs. and local business men, Des Henry and Stephen Ravenhill.

He lauded the four Grand Marshalls for their sporting achievements and said they provided a great example to young people throughout the county.

The parade commenced with a rousing rendition of Amhrain na bhFiann by local singing superstar, Dave Lawlor, who then set down to the difficult job of judging the event with colleagues, Geraldine Byrne and John Cusack.

The parade was led by an army colour party followed by members of the Tullamore branch of the Organisation of Ex-Servicemen and women (ONE).

Following close behind were members of the Tullamore branch of the Irish National Foresters, who celebrate their 126^th anniversary this year.

The Foresters have a close connection with the parade having hosted it for many years in conjunction with St Colmcille's Pipe Band.

MC Sean O'Brien observed that the Foresters were one of the oldest organisations in Tullamore. He revealed their original hall had been burned down by the Black and Tans during the War of Independence in the 1920s.

"Well the Foresters are still here and there's no sign of the Black and Tans," he added.

Other entries in the parade included the OSPCA, Tullamore Scouts, St Patrick (aka Ray Larkin from Rahan), the Civil Defence, Scoil Rince Lar Tire, Offaly Sub Aqua Club, Killeigh Comhaltas, the Viking re-enactment group, Red Embers dance group, Offaly County Council and Offaly Fire Service.
Very popular free face painting was also available for all children again this year inside the front door of the Bridge Centre up until 1pm.
Cartoon characters also roamed around with "Woodie", "Jessie", "Cookie Monster" and "Upsy Daisy" extending greetings to all.