Exciting plans unveiled for Carrick-on-Suir St Patrick's Day Three County Hinterland Festival

Caption for picture above: Special Olympics athletes pictured with Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District councillors, officals and community representatives at the official launch of Carrick-on-Suir St Patrick’s Day Three County Hinterland Festival in Carrick-on-Suir Town Hall last Thursday, February 13.Pictures Anne Marie Magorrian

Special Olympics athletes and Joseph O’Brien Carriganóg Racing will be the grand marshals of Carrick-on-Suir's St Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16.

The parade will be the centrepiece of the Carrick-on-Suir St Patrick’s Day Three County Hinterland Festival, which was officially launched by Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald at Carrick Town Hall last Thursday.

Details of the celebrations planned for the festival were unveiled at the event. Carrick’s St Patrick's Day Parade will take place at 1pm on March 16. The festivities will continue after the parade with a Strongman contest, organised by local gym owner AJ Cronin, cultural performances, live music, food stalls and other family friendly activities in New Street Car Park until 5pm.

Pictured at the launch of the St Patrick’s Day Three Counties Hinterland Festival at Carriganóg Racing, Owning Hill were Grace O’Donohue of Joseph O'Brien Carriganóg Racing, Special Olympics World Games equestrian double medallist Declan Foley from Carrick-on-Suir, racehorse Samyr alongside groom Daniel Fiddis and Special Olympics equestrian competitior Kian Johnston-Clarke from Clonmel who competed in the equestrian category of the Special Olympics National Games in Berlin in 2022

The St Patrick’s Day Three County Hinterland Festival is being organised by Explore Carrick-on-Suir in partnership with Carrick Municipal District and Carrick St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

Carrick-on-Suir Commercial & Tourism Manager Sarah-Jane Cleary told the launch the Festival’s theme is “Unity, Community and Collaboration”.

“These words are not just a slogan but the very essence of what we aim to celebrate and promote,” she said.

She paid tribute to the parade’s grand marshals “whose leadership and dedication embody the spirit of the festival’s theme”.

“We are honoured to have you lead our celebrations.”

She also paid tribute to the town’s St Patrick’s Day Committee for their efforts and dedication over the years. “We look forward to a successful collaboration as we bring the festival to life,” she added.

Carrick-on-Suir Commercial & Tourism Manager Sarah-Jane Cleary, Cllr David Dunne, Carrick Municipal District Chairman Cllr Mark Fitzgerald and District Administrator Marie Cox at the festival launch in Carrick Town Hall

Cllr David Dunne of Carrick’s St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee said the parade has gone from strength to strength since its revival and this year the committee reached out to Explore Carrick-on-Suir to see if more could be added to the celebration.

He said the parade committee was always thinking outside the box to try different things and the festival’s theme summed up what they were about.

The Festival organisers are inviting local businesses, schools, sports clubs, community groups and individuals to participate in the event whether it’s joining the parade, hosting an activity, volunteering or supporting performers and competitions.

For details on how to participate visit explorecarrickonsuir.com

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