Athy to host biggest St Patrick’s Day Parade ever! Starting 1.45pm on Saturday, March 17 - expect to see jugglers, stilt walkers and

“Athy's 2018 St Patrick's Day Parade will be bigger and brighter than ever” so says a member of the organising group, Athy Town Promoters. The parade commences on Saturday, March 17 at 1.45 pm from the Athy Business Campus (Kilkenny Road) with route along William Street, Duke Street and ending at top of Leinster Street (where the Review Stand will be located).

Organisers of this Saturday's long anticipated St Patrick's Day Parade in Athy have willingly 'sacrificed the start time’ says the Mayor of Kildare, Cllr Martin Miley, in order to allow rugby followers to view Ireland v England at Twickenham for the decider of the Triple Crown.

Joe Schmidt's side clinched a third Six Nations title with last Saturday's 28-8 victory against Scotland . Mayor Miley Cllr Martin Miley Junior, will be attending the festive parade in New York whilst Cllr Ivan Keatly, Chair of Athy MD will oversee the parade from the viewing podium. Also in the podium will be well known international boxers, Eric Donovan and Roy Sheahan, Ireland’s Last Man Standing along with local dignitaries and public representatives.

Will the Cow jump over the Moon?

Patricia Berry tells spectators to keep a keen eye out for a spectacular Half Moon Float – and who knows, she adds, a cow might just over the moon! You can expect to see lots of vintage cars, walking clubs, residents’ associations, sports clubs, Athy Scouts, O.N.E. (army display); business floats including Athy Boat Tours and joining the parade for the first time, Athy Golf Club.

“We’ll aso have the Order of Malta, Fire Services, National Ambulance Service and Athy Community First Responder’s group”.

Entertainers and Marching band

CK performers entailing jugglers and stilt walkers, along with Disney’s Mickey Mouse and others will be there to entertain the kiddies and spectators, with two marching bands St Brigid’s Curragh Band and Athy & District Band. You won’t be bored, starting from 1.45 pm from the Athy Business Campus (Kilkenny Road) – St Patrick himself will be there in person!

All marshals are asked to assemble at Athy Enterprise Centre Kilkenny Road at 12. 30pm for a briefing”. Please note there will be diversions in place on the day with traffic delays expected during and after the parade.

The parade will be officially launched and viewed by the The Caothairleach of Athy Municipal District, Cllr Ivan Keatley who is also Chair of Athy Town Promoters.

"We are encouraging as many as possible to come out and celebrate with us on St Patrick’s Day; this is one of the highlights of our calendar in Athy and the immense community spirit and pride present in OUR TOWN is always on displa!” said Patricia Berry. “We’d also like to acknowledge the huge support of the Civic Defence, Kildare Co Show, Athy Tidy Town, Athy Enterprise Centre and all who are helping as voluntary stewards on the day, all help is appreciated”.