Finishing touches being put to St Patrick's Day ceremonies in Clonmel
Main parade in Tipperary's largest town starts at 3pm
St Patrick’s Day ceremonies in Clonmel will commence with the traditional flag-raising ceremony at St Patrick’s Well at 8.30am.
The morning parade leaves Mitchel Street at 11.30am for Mass, which will be celebrated “as Gaeilge” in St Mary’s Church, Irishtown at 12 noon.
The morning parade will be led to St Mary’s Church by Banna Chluain Meala and will include the Grand Marshal John Casey, councillors and dignitaries.
The main St Patrick’s Day Parade will commence at Irishtown at 3pm and will progress down O’Connell Street, Gladstone Street, Market Street, Emmet Street and will finish in Parnell Street outside the Town Hall.
The first prize for the best St Patrick’s Day Parade entry is €500, the second prize is €300 and third prize is €200.
For shop owners in the town, there will be three prizes of €100 each for the best dressed window display for St Patrick’s Day.
Grand Marshal John Casey’s name has been synonymous with scouting in Clonmel for 60 years.
He has been awarded the Silver Wolf Hound, which is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a scout leader.
He has been group leader for 36 years, Assistant Regional Commissioner for six years and Regional Commissioner for twelve years.