Carrick-on-Suir to celebrate its biggest St Patrick's Day yet with parade and festival

Carrick-on-Suir is set to witness its biggest celebration yet to mark St Patrick’s Day with a parade led by Special Olympics athletes and Joseph O’Brien Carriganog Racing followed by an afternoon of entertainment for all the family in the town centre.

The town’s St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Explore Carrick-on-Suir tourism initiative and Tipperary County Council have joined forces to stage the Carrick-on-Suir St Patrick’s Day Three County Hinterland Festival on Sunday, March 16 from 1pm to 5pm

The Festival’s theme is Unity, Community and Collaboration and will kick off with the parade that will start from the car park next to Carrick Library at 1pm. A scouts band from Waterford are among the more than 20 sports, social, cultural and community organisations that have signed up, so far, to take part in the pageant.

Special Olympics athletes from Scoil Aonghusa, South Tipp Tigers and Carrick-on-Suir’s Realta Sports Club along with representatives of the Owning Hill based Joseph O’Brien Carriganóg Racing Stables will be the parade’s grand marshals.

READ NEXT: Eight south Tipperary community centres secure almost €700,000 grant aid for upgrade works

The pageant will travel up New Street and then proceed down Main Street through the West Gate and down Kickham Street before turning onto the N24 and finishing back at the Library Car Park. BEAT 102 – 103 FM will MC the parade from New Street Car Park across from the Town Hall where the Three County Hinterland Festival’s events will take place after the parade.

St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee spokesman Cllr David Dunne is encouraging groups from communities throughout Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District to take part in the parade and says entries will be taken up to and including the morning of the pageant.

He appealed to the people of the town and district to turn out in large numbers to support the event, which is all about inclusivity and bringing the people of Carrick-on-Suir and district together.

The best parade entry will be awarded the Cathleen Fahey Memorial Cup in memory of Carrick-on-Suir St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee member, Cathleen Fahey, who sadly passed away a number of years ago.

A packed programme of events and entertainments is planned for the post-parade festival at New Street Car Park.

Twenty-five athletes will compete in the inaugural Carrick-on-Suir Strongman Competition hosted by AJ Cronin of AJ Cronin Strength & Fitness Gym.

The feats of strength they will be taking on will include an attempt at the Irish Axle Bar record.

There will be a music stage at the car park from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Maria O'Shea, Paney Bartley, Kevin Power, Phila Grace, Kate De Barra, Anthony Dignam, Michael Raggett, singers from Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire and the Michael Power Set Dancers will be among the local singers, musicians and dancer performing.

There will be a chance to test your GAA skills at the Lar Corbett GAA Challenge Wall at the car park between 1pm and 5pm .

Alongside this, Carrick-on-Suir Fire Brigade and Carrick-on-Suir CRITICAL First Responders and their vehicles will be present giving demonstrations.

Visitors will be invited to try out the fun Aqua Dunk challenge in aid of the CRITICAl charity.

Carrick-on-Suir Tourism & Commercial Manager Sarah Jane Cleary said there will also be amusements for children, a sensory friendly area for people with special needs and food vendors.

She encouraged people planning to attend the festivities to bring their own chair or blanket to sit on.

“With a fantastic line-up of activities and entertainment throughout the day, having your own seat means you can move freely and find the best spot to enjoy,” she said.

“This will be a safe, family-friendly space, and you’re more than welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the day at your own pace.

“There will also be food available on-site, so whether you pack your own or treat yourself, it’s the perfect opportunity to make a day of it with family and friends,” she added.

Meanwhile, Cllr Dunne has issued an appeal for volunteers to act as stewards at the parade and festival.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Carrick-on-Suir St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee via the group's Facebook page or contact Cllr Dunne at (086) 347 6317.