Legendary referee and Ireland's oldest man to be honoured at Offaly town's St Patrick's Day parade

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.

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.

READ NEXT: Are there any frogs in county Offaly? 

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.

READ NEXT: Drama group in Offaly to stage award winning play