Kinnegad Town Team plan first St Patrick’s parade in decades

The Kinnegad Town Team are counting down the days as they approach the day of their St Patrick’s Day Parade. It will be the first parade in living memory for many of the residents of Kinnegad, and Niki Harris, a member of the town team, says it’s not to be missed.

“I’ve been told it’s been decades since there was a parade in Kinnegad, so a long time.

“We’re just delighted to announce that the Kinnegad Town Team, Clonard Vintage Club and the wider Kinnegad Parish are all coming together to host a St Patrick’s Day parade.”

According to Niki, there has been a great reaction from the community following the announcement. “We’re delighted with the positive response so far and the excitement is definitely growing.

“It’s just going to be a fantastic family day out with something for everyone.”

The Town Team are optimistic that the parade will be the first of many. “I think it will, with the excitement, and because it’s something that hasn’t taken place in such a long time,” said Niki.

“It feels like we’re starting a new tradition that will be enjoyed, hopefully, for generations to come.

“It’s bringing together businesses, sports clubs, schools, dance schools and music groups and community organisations.”

The grand marshal for the Kinnegad parade is a community man through and through, a pillar of Kinnegad, says Niki. “His name is Peter Dixon. He has been involved with the Town Council and the Tidy Towns for a long number of years.

“It’s the community recognising the work that he has done in Kinnegad over the years. I think it’s a lovely way to honour him as well.”

As well as the parade, there will be performers throughout the day. “We’ll have music from Comhaltas and we will have a stage with live music.

“We have street entertainment as well, loads of entertainment for the kids like bouncy castles, face painting, and we have clowns and stilt walkers.”

Niki added: “The Kinnegad Town Team, this is our first big event in Kinnegad so it’s exciting for everyone. We have big plans ahead, I look forward to seeing all of them.”

Niki would also like to invite anyone interested in taking part in the parade to email the town team at kinnegadtownteam@gmail.com.