Tyrrellspass aims to inspire and lift mood for St Patrick’s Day
Resilience is a word that has been used – and a resource that has been employed – frequently since the Covid-19 pandemic hit us last year, and it’s a quality the Tyrrellspass St Patrick’s Day Parade have in abundance.
They have had to deal with a number of setbacks in the last three years, and acknowledge the tragedy in those. They also recognise that it is important to look forward and to inspire others, particularly the other St Patrick’s parade committees in the region.
With that in mind, the Tyrrellspass group aim to celebrate St Patrick’s Day this year with a virtual event.
Suzie Corcoran, chairperson, said: “It has been 10 years since we held our first St Patrick’s Day Parade in Tyrrellspass and we would very much like to mark that anniversary. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, it is impossible for a parade to take place again this year.
“Indeed, we have been dealt a number of blows in the last three years which have meant the cancellation of our annual parade.
“This year we hope we can rely on the support of our neighbours and friends once again. We are planning to put together a virtual St Patrick’s Day Parade.
“It will be broadcast online on March 17 for you all to enjoy, but we need your help! We on the committee are asking for videos to be created and submitted.
“Whatever you would like – mini-parade in your garden, floats, song, dance, sketch – it’s up to you! Use your imagination!”
If you would like to be included, you can make a short video of your own mini-parade, or sing, dance, create a float, and stage a short sketch or anything else that your imagination allows. People are asked that whatever they choose to do, social distancing guidelines are borne in mind.
Ms Corcoran said: “We are also inviting local businesses and community groups and those who regularly took part in our parades previously to produce short promotion videos outlining their services, which we can include in our virtual parade.
“We will also offer a platform for anyone who wishes to send greetings to loved ones who cannot return home for St Patrick’s Day – record your message and send it to our committee.” (Details below.)
The committee are also planning to mark the 10th anniversary with a video and photo-show of memories from the decade, so if you have any photos or video clips that you think would be useful, send them on.
“Under the current climate it would also be nice to remember those no longer with us,” said Ms Corcoran.
“We ask that all videos and photos are submitted before March 1 – we cannot assure anything received after that date will be included in our production.
“We wish to acknowledge the grant assistance we have received in the past from Westmeath County Council, Festival and Events Grant scheme.
“There will be no fees or charges associated with this year’s event. We would like to thank you for your generous support in the past and look forward to hearing from you,” said Ms Corcoran.
“Without you, we would not have a parade – so get your thinking caps on! Thank you for your continued support!”
For more information contact secretary, Frank Martin, on 087 260 0586l; visit the Facebook page (@tyrrellspassstpatricksdayparade); or email patricksdayparade.tyrrellspass@gmail.com.
You can also contact any committee member – Johnny Morgan, treasurer; Joe Daly; Susan Carey; Declan Fletcher; Declan Feery; Rose Carey; Liam Maher; Daisy Carey; Pat Feery; Trevor Gonoud.
Record your video and send it via WhatsApp to Daisy on 087 65 44 626. All recordings made must adhere to current Covid-19 guidelines and must be recorded within your own household or bubble.