Laois town 'On the One Road' for St Patrick's Day festival

Clover Utd take part in the 2023 parade.

placeholder image — Clover Utd take part in the 2023 parade.

Rathdowney promise celebration for all on March 17

Rathdowney’s annual St Patrick's Day festival is set to be bigger than ever before this year, with the theme "On the One Road" bringing together a diverse range of activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

With the town square transformed into St Patrick’s Village by the Rathdowney Arts Group, the festival will take place from 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday, March 17.

The organisers invite local people to get involved.

"Attendees can look forward to a variety of attractions including human butterflies, face painting, balloon making, music, arts and crafts tents, and a reed-making workshop where visitors can create their own reed dolls and artwork," they say.

The main stage will feature live music from 11 am to 3 pm, with performances from The Premier Raiders Trad Group, The Dooley Bros, and more. Dancers and jivers will also take centre stage to entertain the crowds.

The highlight of the festival will be the parade at 12 noon led by this years Grand Marshalls The Incredabilities, who will be dressed as spectacular superheroes. The parade will be accompanied by music from uilleann piper Diarmuid Meagher.

A special addition to this year's festival is the inclusion of new residents from The Commercial Inn, a Direct Provision centre. They will be gifting the audience pots of shamrocks that they have grown themselves as a symbol of unity and community spirit. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Various floats, including those from The Irish Camping and Caravan Association and Dawn Meats, will join the parade, showcasing the support of local businesses, schools, and clubs, as well as the Brazilian and Ukrainian communities.

In addition to the parade, there will be competitions for a variety of prizes, including the Kieran O'Sullivan Perpetual Trophy and an award for the Best Dressed Window, as well as a raffle for a calf.

"Rathdowney’s St. Patrick's Day festival promises to be a day of fun, entertainment, and celebration for all who attend. Be sure to join us on 17th of March for a memorable St. Patrick's Day experience," conclude the organisers.

For more information check out social media or you can contact Co- Chair of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee Helen Campion at 089 4081693 or [email protected]