Details of St Patrick's Day parade in Clare town revealed

THE ENNNIS St Patrick’s Day Parade have announced that this year’s theme will be Communities in Action to showcase local culture and talent.

Parade entrants include dance, music, and sporting organisations. An invitation has been extended to all Clare people to gather in Ennis to celebrate Ireland’s national holiday.   

Jimmy O’Brien, Ennis Rugby Club - a player and a former president of the club, Aisling Rynne, great-grandniece of Mike McTigue, a professional boxer from Kilnamona and PJ Purcell, great-grandnephew of John Purcell, Barefield athlete who achieved Irish and World Records in the long jump and triple jump in the 1880s have all been announced as grand-marshals of the parade.

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They will join Cllr Clare Colleran-Molloy, Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, in leading the parade in a horse-drawn carriage through the town of Ennis.  

Speaking about the parade, Cllr Colleran-Molloy said: “As Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, it is my pleasure to nominate and be accompanied by Jimmy O’Brien, Aisling Rynne and PJ Purcell, in leading this year’s parade. 

“They represent the long-standing commitment of our local sports men and women and the wealth they bring to our communities through their sporting achievements. 

“This day of national celebration provides a great opportunity for all of us to acknowledge the vibrancy of all our communities and how sport serves to enrich our lives,” he added.

For those individuals and organisations whose efforts make an impact, there will be prizes under the following categories:

Best visual spectacle (€250), most environmentally aware entrant (€250), best musical entrant (€250), best interpretation of theme (€250) and overall winner (€500).

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The parade commences at 11am on March 17 from Clare County Council’s headquarters at Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, and will proceed via New Road, Newbridge Road, Club Bridge, Abbey Street, O’Connell Square, Bank Place, and Bindon Street.

There will be a large, designated viewing area along Newbridge Road between Club Bridge and Steele’s Terrace.

Traffic management plans will be operational from 8am with diversions in place.