‘Wild in Westmeath’ parade in Castlepollard

The countdown is on to the 2023 North Westmeath St Patrick’s Day Parade in Castlepollard starting at 5pm and grand-marshalled by Castlepollard Community College Junior Leinster Camogie Champions, who will be closely followed by the Celtic Crusaders aka Mullingar Town Band.

Clubs, schools and local groups are all invited to participate in this year’s ‘Wild in Westmeath’ parade, which offers three cash prizes for the best floats; first €500, second €300 and, third €200. There are also several award categories.

It is hoped that the parade will be awash with the colours of club jerseys and flags as well as school banners and logos.

Entry to participate in the parade is free and registration is from 4.15pm on Water Street.

Entertainment will also be from 4.15pm when the local Clan Lir branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann perform on the grandstand.

The Parade Committee were delighted this week when Clan Lir confirmed that they would be returning once more to kick off the festivities and to get the crowd warmed up for an amazing 2023 parade.

Clan Lir are invaluable assets to the local community and the branch work tirelessly to ensure that traditional music continues to flourish and to strengthen in popularity. Clan Lir hold weekly lessons – contact them at clanlir@comhaltas.net.

The North Westmeath St Patrick’s Day Parade awards night is on Sunday 2 April and float winners as well as award winners will be notified and invited in the days shortly after the parade.

The parade committee are asking local businesses and employers to support and donate to the parade fund in any way possible. There will also be a bucket collection on the day.

All donations and contributions, no matter how small, will be gratefully received. Without the continued support of local businesses, as well as the tireless work of the voluntary committee, the parade could not happen.

If you would like to support the parade fund or to volunteer on the day, get in touch with the committee at northwestmeathparade@gmail.com.