RTE to feature St Patrick's Day Parade in Offaly

The St Patrick's Day Parade in Clara is to be televised on RTE on the evening news.

Organiser Bertie McMahon says he is 'over the moon with delight'.

''It was 2009 the last time RTE filmed it. It's great to get a bit of recognition for all the hard work,'' said Bertie.

What will be the 42nd Clara parade will be officially opened by husband and wife team Joe and Helen Reilly. Tommy Stones will sing the National Anthem.

Meanwhile a special tribute will be paid to Clara Lady footballers who won the intermediate final in 2021.

''The parade is looking very strong at the moment. I have over 70 entries. It looks like it will be very good. Just this morning I got an extra entry and I have five bands coming. But I'm still calling on locals for more colourful floats as much as you possibly can,'' added Bertie.

Bands for the parade are coming from Galway, ''we have the Mullingar Town Band, the Athlone Pipe Band and the Portlaoise Accordion band. They are all coming to take part in the parade,'' Bertie said. 

Not one to sit around, Bertie has three bands already booked for next year.

''I'd like to wish all the parades, in Tullamore, Kilcormac and Edenderry the best of luck and the best of luck to the organisers,'' he said.