Moville St Patrick’s Day celebrations to be ‘the best yet’
After returning last year following Covid-19 cancellations, the organising committee of the celebrations in the town says it hopes the whole community will support the event
The Moville St Patrick’s Day Parade committee says it hopes the celebration in the town this year will be the best yet.
This year’s celebrations in the Foyle-side town will begin tonight at 9.30pm in the Trawlerman bar where musicians and dancers are invited to join in and share their talents and kick off the festivities.
The parade in the town on Friday starts at the usual time of 2.30pm. Motorised floats are asked to turn up at Glencrow by 2.15pm.
As well as the parade, there will be music in the Market Square from 2pm to 5pm with the David Craig Band. There will also be bouncy castles in the square during the parade.
Ticket sellers will be there on the day selling tickets for the lucky shamrock draw, which provides a vital part of the funding to ensure the parade can continue in the future.
Also as part of the celebration, the big tree in the Market Square and the Foyle Hotel will be lit up green all week.
Chair of the parade organising committee Eamon McLaughlin said floats are welcome from everywhere and there is absolutely no cost to enter.
He called on the whole community to make a big effort to either get involved in the parade or come out and show support.
The organising committee has been boosted this year mainly to the new members that have joined, he said.
“They have worked enthusiastically over the last few months and their ideas and commitment have energised us all and ensured the parade has a bright future.
“Its importance to the community was really highlighted last year after the cancellations caused by Covid. Several people mentioned the buzz and atmosphere around the town and I’ve no doubt this year will be the same.
"It’s an honour to participate in an event that is celebrated worldwide due to the influence of our diaspora making an impact in so many places in a wide variety of occupations.
“Quite a number of our local young people have emigrated to Australia in recent times and we’ll be thinking of them on St Patrick’s Day, as I’m sure many of them will be thinking of home and the local craic.
"Let’s hope everyone at home and abroad has a wonderful family day when we are emotionally connected in a very special way.”