‘Huge excitement’ building in Castlepollard for St Patrick’s Day parade
There is “huge excitement” building ahead of the North Westmeath St Patrick’s Day Parade, according to organisers.
Donie Cassidy said the day will kick off around 4.15pm with a joint Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Lough Lene Set Dancers performance.
From there, the parade's grand marshal, Jadotville veteran John Gorman, will raise the national flag at the town hall at 4.50pm.
This will be followed by a performance of the national anthem from local legend Paddy McCabe, accompanied by his son Brian on guitar.
The parade will begin at 5pm with over 50 floats, marching groups, and clubs taking part this year.
It is expected to last for an hour and 15 minutes.
Prize money of €1,200 is on offer for the best floats, which has been sponsored by Westmeath County Council, Mergon, and the North Westmeath Credit Union.
Mullingar Town Band will also be heading to Castlepollard for the parade this year, their 30th year in succession to do so.
Mr Cassidy, who is president of the organising committee alongside Johnny Fagan, Ian Fivey and Olli McCormack, thanked all committee members for their work.
“There is a huge amount of excitement building and I have to acknowledge the hard work of Davy Turlough who is our chair and Mick Comiskey who is our vice chair,” he said.
“Sean Montgomery and Ted Fagan are our Treasurers and Lorraine scally is our secretary – all of whom have done amazing work.
“Then we also have about 20 St Patrick's Day volunteers that come in the morning to prepare the entire square and marshal roads for the parade – without them, our parade couldn’t survive.”
Mr Cassidy said the parade signifies the beginning of the tourism season in North Westmeath.
“It also kicks things off for the traders and publicans as well as the tourist season,” he said.
“Tullynally Castle opens up to the public and runs four days a week from now until the end of September every year.
“Out in Fore we have a huge attraction at Fore with the wonders out there - some days over 2,000 people visit it in the middle of high season.”