Vivid expression of local pride at Mullingar St Patrick's day Parade

Thomas Lyons

Mullingar was awash with colour, creativity and community pride on March 17 as thousands flocked to the county town for one of its most successful St Patrick’s Day celebrations in recent years.

The event drew impressive number despite stiff competition for attention from the Hogan Cup final taking place at the same time in Croke Park. Instead of dampening local turnout, the occasion became a showcase for the town’s resilience and strong sense of identity, as spectators lined the streets well ahead of the 3pm start.

Chairperson of the parade committee, Seamus Dunne, admitted organisers had initially feared a quieter event. With large numbers travelling to Dublin to support Coláiste Mhuire in the All-Ireland schools final, expectations were tempered in the days leading up to the parade. Those concerns faded, however, as the town centre began to fill.

“It was a great turnout, I think better than a lot of people expected,” Seamus told the Examiner, “as it got closer to three o’clock you could see the numbers building and the crowds gathering. It was fantastic to see so many people come out.”

The parade followed a busy morning in Mullingar. The day began with a half marathon that attracted more than 2,000 participants, and a large number of spectators. The seamless transition from sporting event to cultural celebration was widely praised, as the coordination effort took on aspects of a military precision operation.

Behind the scenes, a network of volunteers and local organisations worked hard to ensure the day ran smoothly. From stewarding crowds and coordinating floats to setting up barriers and maintaining safety, the scale of collaboration was evident, and the parade chairman was keen to emphasise the importance of the collective effort.

“There were so many people involved,” Seamus said. “Westmeath County Council, An Garda Síochána, Civil Defence, Order of Malta, Tidy Towns, the Volunteer Centre, and of course our own committee members. Volunteers are the backbone of the parade, and we simply couldn’t do it without them.”

This year’s parade adopted the theme of ‘Ireland’s Myths and Legends’, which brought a visually striking element to the festivities. Floats and performers drew inspiration from folklore, and representations of legendary figures and mythical creatures captivated audiences.

Among the highlights were a giant swan inspired by the Children of Lir, Viking re-enactments, and large-scale set pieces referencing iconic elements of Irish mythology.

The theme also served as a tribute to Manchán Magan, the broadcaster known for his work in promoting Irish language and heritage. Seamus noted that the choice was intended to honour Manchán’s legacy and passion for preserving Ireland’s cultural traditions.

“It was our way of paying tribute to Manchán,” he explained. “He was a great advocate for Irish history and language, and it felt fitting to celebrate that through this year’s parade.”

Despite chilly conditions, the weather was favourable, as rain held off till later in the evening. “The cold can be tough, especially if you”re standing around for a long time,” Seamus said, “but the rain stayed away during the parade, and that makes a huge difference. We were lucky again this year.”

The role of master of ceremonies was expertly handled by veteran host Noel Farrelly, whose experience and energy helped maintain a lively atmosphere throughout the afternoon. Grand marshal Millie Walsh lived up to his reputation for fun by giving high fives and handshakes to the crowd. He was supposed to have been in a car, but Noel figured he would rather – no surprise – be on his feet having the craic with everyone.

The celebrations did not end with the parade. Later in the day, Mullingar welcomed home the GAA heroes following their historic All-Ireland schools victory, and large crowds gathered once again to mark that achievement. The convergence of sporting success, community participation and cultural celebration made for what the parade chairman described as “a fantastic day for Mullingar”.

“It’s rare to have so many things happening at once,” he said. “A half marathon, a parade, and a major sporting win all on the same day – it really put Mullingar on the map.”

Feedback from attendees has been positive, many praising the quality of the parade and the sense of unity it fostered. The event highlighted the strength of community spirit in the town, as well as its ability to deliver large-scale celebrations with professionalism and flair.

Looking ahead, organisers are already considering ways to build on this year’s success. Seamus acknowledged that while the parade continues to grow, it also requires sustained effort and fresh involvement to maintain its high standards.

“We”d love to see more people get involved with the committee,” he said. “It takes a lot of organisation, but it’s incredibly rewarding. With a few new additions and continued support, we can make it even stronger in the years to come.”

He also reiterated the importance of ongoing backing from local authorities and sponsors, particularly Westmeath County Council, whose support plays a crucial role in ensuring the future of the parade.

As the crowds dispersed and the festivities drew to a close, one thing was clear: the 2026 Mullingar St Patrick’s Day Parade was a vivid expression of local pride, creativity and collaboration, a testament to what can be achieved when people work together.