Big crowds and sunshine greet St Patrick’s Day Parade spectacle in Clonmel

The strength of the community was on display in Clonmel today as a spectacle of a parade made its way through the town to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

 Big crowds came out to mark the occasion as champion boxer Shauna O’Keeffe proudly took on the role of Grand Marshall, a day after her second professional fight in Galway where she recorded another victory with a triumph over Poland’s Angelika Oles.

Accompanied by the Mayor of Clonmel Cllr Riichie Molloy, Shanua took off from under the West Gate at 3pm to get the celebration started.

In glorious sunshine the parade made its way through the town progressing  down O’Connell Street, Gladstone Street, Market Street, Emmet Street before finishing  in Parnell Street outside the Town Hall.

St Patrick (Owen 'Leggs' Lanigan) was a colourful figure as he mingled with the  big crowds that lined the streets.

St Patrick’s Day in Clonmel started  with the traditional  flag-raising ceremony at St Patrick’s Well at 8am. 

The morning parade took off from  Mitchel Street  at 11.30am for Mass, which was celebrated as Gaeilge in St Mary’s Church, Irishtown at 12 noon. 

The morning parade was led to St Mary’s Church by Banna Chluain Meala with the Grand Marshal, councillors and dignitaries all taking part. In attendance were visitors from Trofaiach, Eysines and Reading, towns that are twinned with Clonmel.

Mayor Cllr Richie Molloy congratulated all who took part in the parade and said it was a wonderful occasion for the community.

The Kool School parade entry won best float and won €500,Clonmel Scouts came second winning €300 and Clonmel majorettes came third winning €200.