Sun set to shine on colourful and entertaining St Patrick's Day parade in Tullamore

The return of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Tullamore looks set to be  greeted with sunshine as the weather prediction  looks good and Parade entries will reflect a post Covid upbeat mood.    After the Parade entertainment will be provided in O' Connor Sq. from 1.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.    This event starts with the Legend of Luke  Kelly  Band which will set the tone for a great afternoon's entertainment.
"The scene is set for a really colourful, musical and entertaining Parade.    With a number of bands and other musical entries there will be no shortage of music.    There will be a brilliant mixture of entries to entertain the thousands who will line the streets to view the first Parade since 2019.    There will also be entertainment beforehand at the Review Stand with Comhaltas and Set Dancers.    Cathy Boland will sing Amhrain Na Bhiain  and the official opening will be performed by Phil O' Reilly Sr.    ome early to the Review Stand and enjoy the build up from 10.45 a.m." states  Cllr Sean O' Brien, Parade Secretary.
Assembly Points
All Community entries assemble in the Car Park of the Bridge Centre from 10.30 a.m.    Please co-operate  with our Stewards who will assist all groups to line up.    The Parade starts at 11.30 a.m. sharp and will march onto High St.,  Bridge St., Colmcille St., over the Kilbeggan Bridge onto Arden Road and disperse at the GAA Centre.    Business entries assemble in Kilcruttin, opposite the Train Station.
Grand Marshall
The Grand Marshall this year is Phil O' Reilly in recognition of his enormous  contribution to the sporting and business life of Tullamore and Offaly.    Phil won three Football Club Championships with Tullamore.    He played with the Offaly team which won the First Leinster title in 1960 and repeated that in 1961.    He was on the panel again for that famous 1961 All Ireland game against Down which Offaly lost by just one point.    He has operated many businesses from his premises in Harbour St, where  his Undertaking business is held in the highest regard.    Phil will be joined on the Review Stand by his wife Celine and family members.
Theme
The Theme this year is "Community Spirit" and all groups are asked to reflect this in their entries
Face Painting
Free face painting will be available from 10.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. at the front entrance to the Bridge Centre and also at the Bank Of Ireland corner in O' Connor Sq.    Mascots in popular costumes will entertain the crowds and provide sweets and balloons for the younger audience members.
Window Display
The Window Display competition will be judged on Wednesday Night and this year there is certainly a lot of competition.    A special trophy will be awarded to the winner
Best  Dressed Dog
As usual there will be prizes for the Best Dressed Dogs and owners are welcome to walk  in the Parade with their pets.    Local man Darren Hand is kindly sponsoring this event this year on behalf of his company, Approved Raw Pet Foods.    This year we will have three prizes in this category..
Prizes
There will be generous prizes for the various category winners and good competition is expected.    The following  are the categories for prizes, Overall Winner, Best Community Entry, Best School Entry, Best Band, Best Sport Entry, Best Youth Entry, Most Entertaining Entry, Best Business Entry, Best Window Display, Best Dressed Dog.    Our Judges are Geraldine Byrne, Frank Nicholson and John Cusack.
Businesses
Businesses are also very welcome to enter a float in the Parade.    Business entries should be a maximum of two vehicles and payment can be made beforehand or on the day.    We have sent letters to local businesses seeking a contribution to help with the costs in running the Parade; we thank them for their generous support over the years which has ensured that the Parade continues every year.
Further information is available on our website  www.stpatricksdaytullamore .com
The email contact is  seanobrientullamore@ gmail.com.   Also contact Johnny O' Connor, 087 2602487; Sean O' Brien, 086 3892854; Martin O' Connor