Laois town celebrates participants of this year's St Patrick's Day parade

Sam Semsch, Helen McDonnell and Shane Murray presenting the Award for Best Walking Group to Julia and Robyn McDonald, John McGettrick and Sylvia Horne (Photo: Michael Scully).

placeholder image — Sam Semsch, Helen McDonnell and Shane Murray presenting the Award for Best Walking Group to Julia and Robyn McDonald, John McGettrick and Sylvia Horne (Photo: Michael Scully).

Portarlington honoured local businesses and groups who took part in this year's parade with awards

Groups and individuals who took part in this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Portarlington were honoured at a big awards night in the town this month.

The St Patrick's Day Parade Portarlington Awards took place in the Parochial Hall in Portarlington on Friday, April 10.

Alan Mitchell and his crew from Al's Fish Shop were the big winners on the night, taking home the Award for the Best Float.

Shane Murray of Portarlington Credit Union, the main sponsor of the event, presented the award to John McGettrick who accepted the award on behalf of Alan and his team.

Alan Mitchell and his crew from Al's Fish Shop with their float for this year's parade.

The Foodie Box in Portarlington were honoured with the Award for the Best Shop Front. Naomi Jenkins, Teresa O'Reilly and Teresa Quinn accepted the award.

Then, the Award for the Best Walking Group went to the local Coder Dojo group. Julia and Robyn McDonald were presented with the award.

Shane Murray (Portarlington Credit Union) presenting the Award for the Best Float to John McGettrick who accepted on behalf of Al's Fish Shop and committee member Sylvia Horne.

As well as celebrating local groups and businesses who made the parade such a success, a draw took place on the night to fundraise for next year's parade.

The Portarlington parade's organisers said: "We were very fortunate as all prizes were donated by local companies and without the support of them and the community it would be hard to continue."

Shane Murray (Portarlington Credit Union) presenting the Award for Best Shop Front to Naomi Jenkins, Teresa O'Reilly and Teresa Quinn for Foodie Box alongside committee member Sylvia Horne.

Among the big prizes in the draw were weekend tickets for Forest Fest 2026, a spa experience and afternoon tea for two in The Heritage Hotel, a three-month membership to the Burn Gym, and lots of vouchers for local businesses.

There were a total of 19 prizes up for grabs in the draw.

The night was a huge success, with the committee sharing on social media that "because of your generosity, we can continue working hard to bring the parade back bigger and better for everyone to enjoy."