Award winning Longford author John Connell to MC Ballymahon's St Patrick's Day parade

This year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballymahon is set to be a very lively community celebration. 

Taking place on Tuesday, March 17, at 4pm, and led by the Longford Branch of the Order of Malta, approximately 30 to 40 groups and floats in addition to the traditional pipe band are expected to take part.

Parade participants will also be in with a chance of winning a prize as they will be judged across a number of categories such as, ‘best float’, ‘most humorous entry’, and ‘best school turnout’, to name but a few, with prizes being presented that night in Cooney’s Hotel.

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A group of girls enjoying the 2025 St Patrick's Parade in Ballymahon

The judging committee will also be adjudicating the window displays created by local businesses. 

MC’d by popular Longford author John Connell, the parade will also be the final event taking place in county Longford on St Patrick’s Day, meaning those hoping to attend the town parade can easily enjoy the Ballymahon event without any clash.

The organising committee behind the parade have said local volunteers, along with Ballymahon Gardaí and Longford Civil Defence will also be on hand throughout the day to assist with stewarding, safety, and first aid.

Niamh Kennedy, Kelly Coy and Grace Cullen enjoying the atmosphere at the St Patrick's Parade in Ballymahon last year

With parade preparations beginning as early as mid-January, funding such a community event is also a major part of the process.

In addition to holding fundraisers, the committee also has a major sponsor on board, Kepak, a loyal principal sponsor since the parade began at the beginning of the millennium. 

The Forgney National School float at last year's St Patrick's Parade in Ballymahon

Assembling volunteers is another task, but thankfully there’s no shortage of willing helpers in the community.

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“We have great volunteers”, explained Cllr Pat O’Toole, chair of the Ballymahon parade organising committee.

He added, “Ballymahon GAA is very good in that they always send some volunteers."

Daniel, Aide, Sandra and Kathlin Kavanagh enjoying the 2025 St Patrick's parade in Ballymahon

"Also, Ballymahon Gardaí support us big time and they'll have members out with us on the day along with the civil defence."

"They’re out at the event every year. Hopefully we never have to use them, but I must compliment them because they always come out in good numbers and look after things from a first aid and a health and safety point of view.”

Those attending the parade in Longford town can still make it to the parade in Ballymahon as the two events have been spaced out to avoid clashing. 

Ballymahon traditional musicians entertaining the large crowds at the 2025 St Patrick's Parade

Pat outlined, “Longford town has gone back to a 1pm parade this year which is a big plus for us because some of the groups that take part in the Longford parade also come out to Ballymahon. 

“I know Longford went with an evening parade last year, so that meant ours was down a little bit as well in terms of entries, but this year now we'll be back to what we had in 2024 as there's always a good transfer from the Longford parades back out to Ballymahon.”

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