The finishing touches are being added this week to the Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade preparations, according to the voluntary organising committee.
With the parade taking place at 1pm from Patrick Street, the committee has been working hard to ensure that everything goes smoothly for the much-anticipated event.
The parade, which will feature soccer legend Paula Gorham as grand marshal, has the theme of ‘Green Dream’.
The committee, made up of chairperson Cllr. Conor Keelan, includes Cllr. Maeve Yore, Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú, Shane McBride, Dagan Fleming, Anne Campbell, David Minto and Maria O’Toole, say there has been a great response to the call-out for entrants.
Cllr. Keelan said the parade would not be possible without the kind and generous sponsorship from companies and organisations.
He said: ‘We are extremely grateful for the sponsorship we have received from Hanley Energy, Digiweb, Dundalk Credit Union, Louth County Council and Parkwind.
‘In addition, we have received sponsorship from PayPal, Kaseya, Control Soft, Pro SEO Solutions, Sevens Taxis, Dundalk Bids, V&W Recycling, Pelican Promotions, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Stage and Lighting and Lockup Records.
‘The parade and the events for families would not be possible without this sponsorship’
The closing date for registrations for the parade, which must be completed online, is March 13.
There will be a meeting for participants at the Dundalk Credit Union building (formerly Houstons) on Thursday March 14 at 7pm.
Following the parade, there will also be live music on a specially constructed stage at the Square, and a free family fun zone, after the parade, so that families can spend more time in the town after the main event.
And following on from last year’s successful trial of the ‘quiet zone’ in Dublin Street, which allowed people with sensory issues to enjoy the parade without the noise, the committee says it will make a return in 2024.
Also coming back is the very popular wheelchair access viewing stand which gave wheelchair users a safe and elevated place to see the parade in all its glory.
Those who wish to enter the parade and register for access to the wheelchair viewing stand, can do so through the website at www.stpatricksdaydundalk.ie by filling out the simple online form before March 14.
Meanwhile the parade in Blackrock will begin at 1pm while the Ardee parade will begin to make its way through the town at 3pm.
