Has Ballyshannon lost interest in its St Patrick’s Day parade as committee dissolved and no plans for 2023?

Same people, year in year out, doing the same jobs, being taken for granted . . .

Ballyshannon will not have a 2023 St Patrick’s day parade as it currently stands as just four people turned up at the 2022 annual general meeting of the Ballyshannon St Patrick’s Day committee, consisting of the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and its PRO.

And in this case, it is no idle bluff or clarion call to action, having spoken to the former Chair and public relations officer of the now dissolved committee.

Members of the 28th Inf Bn from Finner Camp leading the 2022 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ballyshannon Picture Thomas Gallagher

It is a playbook that is being seen in many other parts of the county, as the ethos of volunteerism appears to have increased manifold, but oft times falls flat with a sizable lack of footfall on the ground.

In a facebook posting over recent days the chair, Jim Kane stated that the annual general meeting of the committee had been called for November 24.

“As no representatives from the Ballyshannon vintners association, Ballyshannon business chamber, and other business representatives did not attend, we felt the town had lost interest in the parade and we have made the decision to dissolve the present committee.

“If any person is interested in starting a new committee we can be contacted for any details.”

Chairperson of the now dissolved committee,” the simple message declared.

Jim, who has been involved with multiple community initiatives over the decades in south Donegal, told the Democrat yesterday that he had been involved with the current parade committee dating back to the mid nineties.

He added that there was a parade even before that but it had been going yearly since, with the exception of the years of foot and mouth and during the pandemic.

“I was disappointed with the business people in the town and especially the publicans. Out of all the years that we have been running it (the parade), one publican came to a meeting.”

Aodh Ruadh GAA Club players taking part in the 2022 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ballyshannon Picture Thomas Gallagher

Jim said that it had been 10 to 12 years before one had attended before that.

“As well as social media, I went around the town and made people and businesses including the Chamber aware that the meeting was taking place.

“Mary Kelly came back from the States in the mid nineties and we had the first parade in ‘97 and Mary was chairperson until she left about 15 years ago.

“We had 25 years there although I know there were parades before that.”

He feels that the work of the few was, in his opinion, taken for granted in the end, but new blood and enthusiasm is an important part of moving the process forward and passing on the parade baton to the next generation.

“They took it for granted that the parade would go on anyway,” he suggested, “whether it was me, John F (McGee) or whoever was organising it and this thing would run on its own anyway. They do not realise the amount of work that goes into this. You are basically working from the next day, March 18 when myself and John would sit down and reflect on that year’s activities and start booking bands for the following year.”

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ballyshannon this year with its unique vantage points Picture Thomas Gallagher

“Ironically, we just had one of the best parades anywhere in Donegal and the vantage point of seeing it come down the hill is quite unique and memorable. The numbers who enter the parade are unbelievable. There are meetings to make sure bands are still coming that following October. Closer to the event there is the erection of the viewing stand, organising the parking for bus bands in the Market Yard and that is just the start. There was Gerry Gallagher there every year until he passed with Billy (Grimes) then taking over the MC proceedings. John F has been a stalwart of strength down the years as has his daughter Donna, but the core cannot go on forever without real help and genuine assistance.”

His comments are echoed by former Town Commissioner and former PRO Billy Grimes, who said that Jim’s comments are genuine and not a bluff.

Young Aodh Ruadh GAA Club members at the St. Patrick's Day 2022 Parade in Ballyshannon Picture Thomas Gallagher

He told the Democrat that it was a struggle getting the help on a yearly basis and that as of now, there was definitely no parade for 2023.

“I’ve seen it first hand, the yearly efforts and struggles of the few to get the parade operational and it will now be for others to decide what the future holds. I totally understand where Jim is coming from and unfortunately, it is not some idle threat or clarion call to motivate people by him. It is what it is.

“Himself and the likes of John F have been doing the heavy lifting for a long time. I hope others will pick up where they have left off.”