Huge crowds expected for much-anticipated Lanesboro Ballyleague St Patrick's Day parade

Huge crowds are expected on the banks of the Shannon with high hopes this year's Lanesboro and Ballyleague St Patrick's Day parade may be the biggest and most colourful one in many years.

Businesses and community groups are putting significant planning, preparation, effort and creativity into preparing their floats for the celebration.

"We are expecting a huge crowd, there is always a massive crowd here on St Patrick's Day, the biggest event that happens in Lanesboro is the parade," Teresa Costello, chairperson of the Lanesboro Ballyleague St Patrick's Day parade, said.

"Preparations are absolutely going really well, the signs and everything are up coming into the town and all the paperwork is done."

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Teresa said, weather permitting, this year may be the largest yet in terms of floats and spectators.

She said they are thankful to their main sponsor Heineken and the host of local businesses who help to make the Lanesboro Ballyleague St Patrick's Day parade such a popular annual event.

The overall winning float will receive €300 and a trophy and there is no specific theme.

Other categories that will be judged – Best Club, Best Junior, Best Vintage, Best Business, Best Dressed Window, and Most Original with the winners receiving €50 and a trophy.

As usual the parade commences with the gathering of floats at the St. Faithleachs GAA Club House for a departure time of 2.30pm, before travelling through the town to Lanesboro Community College.

St Patrick’s Day Mass will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church at 11am and it includes traditional musicians, parish choir and champion dancers.

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