Big bands, dancing, entertainment and celebs for biggest St Patrick's Day parade yet in Tullamore

PREPARATIONS are now finalised for what promises to be an amazing St. Patrick's Day Parade in Tullamore on this Tuesday, March 17.

Big Bands, including the National Ambulance Pipe Band, dancing groups, great entertainment, sports clubs in big numbers and loads of colour!

Of course we also have as Grand Marshall our very own Paris Olympian and World Bronze Boxing Medallist, Grainne Walsh !

Parade Details

The Parade starts at 11.30 a.m. sharp. All community groups assemble in the Car Park of the Bridge Centre, please be there by 11.00 a.m. at the latest. The Parade route is High St., Bridge St., Colmcille St., over the Kilbeggan Bridge and onto Arden Road. The finish point is the GAA Centre. Participant groups are asked not to drop out of the Parade along the Route, continue straight to the GAA Centre on Arden Road.

Review Stand

The Review Stand is located on Colmcille St. close to Macs Cabs. There will be entertainment here provided by Tullamore Comhaltas from 10.45 a.m.

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Official Opening

The Official Opening of the Parade will be carried out by the Grand Marshall, Grainne Walsh, at 11.15 a.m. and we hope to see a big crowd there to give her a big welcome.

Entries in the Parade

There are a big and varied number of entries registered already. There is still time to enter, all you need to do is contact the Secretary, Sean O' Brien, on 086 3892854 or email seanobrientullamore@gmail.com

Safety First

We ask all entrants and the public to please be safe and follow the instructions of our Stewards and the Gardai at all times.

Seated and Accessible Area

There will be a special reserved seated area for elderly and wheelchair users. This is located directly across from the Review Stand.

Sensory Area

There is a special reserved Sensory Area in O' Connor Sq. This area is closed to through traffic up to 3.00 p.m. and it will be barriered off. We ask all participants not to create any loud noise while passing this area, especially motorbikes, cars and lorries

Face Painting and Mascots

Playtown Tullamore will provide free Face Painting inside the front entrance to the Bridge Centre from 10.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. They will also introduce special guests to the crowd along the way, including "Woodie" and "Jessie" from Toy Story and Disney's "Tigger" and "Winnie The Pooh"

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Window Display

A special prize is awarded each year to the Winner and Runner Up in a Window Display competition. This year there is an added bonus of a €50 Voucher to the Shop Assistant who is involved in the Window Display ! Get decorating for St. Patrick's Day !

Dogs Welcome !

Calling all dog owners to walk in the Parade with your canine friends ! There is a prize for the "Best Dressed Dog"

Several Prizes

There are several prizes to be won in the various categories. These will include cash and very special trophies. These prizes will be presented at a Gala Presentation Night three weeks after the Parade.

Thank you to our Sponsors

The Committee are very grateful to our many sponsors : The many local Businesses who generously support us and make the Parade possible; Offaly Co. Council; Tullamore Municipal Council; The Bridge Centre; Stephen Ravenhill and Des Henry for trucks to form the Review Stand; Gardai; Order Of Malta; St. Mary's Youth and Community Centre; Durrow Hall; Mike Daly Landscaping; Our Judges; The Media; Tullamore Comhaltas; Macs Cabs.

Contacts for the Parade are; Frankie O' Reilly 087 2287550; Sean O' Brien 086 3892854; Martin O' Connor 083 1017012; Johnny O' Connor 087 2602487

seanobrientullamore@gmail.com

www.stpatricksdaytullamore.com