St Patrick’s Day Parade Portarlington 2018

March 20, 2018 / Comments (0)

Local News

The bitter cold weather and the  Ireland v England rugby match did not deter the crowds who took to the streets to support this years  St Patrick’s Day parade in Portarlington.

A large hard working committee ensured everything ran smoothly, with family entertainment in the square starting at 2 and the parade at 3.30pm.

A beard shave took place on the viewing stand, with Liam Pierce sacrificing his 40 year old moustache and two year old long beard, in aid of Portarlington Lions Club.

The theme of the Parade was “Culture and the Irish Language” with a Lithuanian group among the many taking part.

Entertainment was provided by dancers from Scoil Rince na Tíre, St Patrick’s BNS, Presentation Convent Primary School, and Tullamore Pipe Band.

Many children took part, including the scouts, the juvenile GAA club, Portarlington After Schools Project, Ár nÓige Preschool, Muddy Puddles Montessori school, Burbages Irish dancing school, SBG family martial arts centre, Banríon Gaels camogie club,

The MC was the ebullient Ciaran Dunne, who thanked everybody for braving the cold to take part and to come and watch, while keeping the crowds updated on the rugby score.

On the viewing stand were Fr Dooley, Fr Hughes, Rev Stephenson and Willie Murphy.

A fine display of tractors rounded off the parade, bathed in sunshine as snowflakes fell, a unique and happy St Patrick’s Day.

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