Dundalk all set for St Patrick's Day parade

Front: Kate O'Connor and Amy Broadhurst, Dundalk St Patrick's Day parade grand marshals for 2023, with committee members (second row) Ruairí Ó Murchú TD, Cllr. Conor Keelan, Anne Campbell and Cllr. Maeve Yore; (back row) Maria O'Toole, Dagan Fleming and Shane McBride.

Dundalk St Patrick’s Day grand marshals Amy Broadhurst and Kate O’Connor were in fine form last Friday as they posed for press pictures ahead of the parade.

Excitement is building for the event, which starts at 1pm this Friday, and which will feature over 40 local community, sporting, voluntary and business groups.

The Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade voluntary committee, which is made up of councillors Conor Keelan and Maeve Yore, along with Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú, Shane McBride, Dagan Fleming, Maria O’Toole and Anne Campbell, said they have been working hard on ensuring that the first parade in Dundalk in four years is one to remember.

The committee has announced that the family fun zone at Market Square will be free to attend and families can also look forward to free entertainment in the form of local musical and dance acts close to the Square after the parade.

This week, it was also revealed that Louth Rose Emma Barry will be on the Louth County Council float, which has been specially designed by Dundalk-based artist, Ulrike Liebetrau (Uliunique) and which will showcase the parade theme of ‘Urban Green’.

In addition, there will be prizes for Best Overall Entrant, Best Community Entrant and Best Commercial Entrant which will be revealed after the parade.

Cllr. Keelan commented ahead of the parade: “A huge amount of work has gone into getting the St Patrick’s Day parade up and running again in Dundalk and we are hoping that as many people as possible turn out to enjoy the event.

“There will be lots for people to do. In addition to the live music, there will also be a Pelican family fun zone along with takeaway food and hot drinks.

“I want to say a special thanks to the sponsors, without whom we would not be able to do any of this. I also want to say a massive thanks to all those who have signed up to take part in the parade”.

The parade starts at 1pm and will follow the traditional route along Clanbrassil Street, around Crowe Street, Francis Street, Park Street and will finish at Tesco on Dublin Street. There will be a ‘quiet parade’, where participants will be asked to switch off sounds and music, from Utopia on Dublin Street to the end line so that those with sensory issues can enjoy the parade.

In addition, there will be a special viewing platform for wheelchair users and those wishing to use it must register through the links section on the website at stpatricksdaydundalk.ie.

The parade is sponsored by Louth County Council, and has also received funding from PayPal, Dundalk Credit Union, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Oriel Windfarm, Digiweb, SEO Solutions, Dundalk BIDS, BK Forklifts, Print Express, Pelican Promotions, Digital Screen Displays, Control Soft, V&W Recycling, Phoenix Waste, Sevens and Stage and Lighting.