Press Release:
Calling all to get behind the Carlow Town parade and march!
A well attended meeting took place in the Town Hall on Wednesday, 4 February and plans were drawn up for the Carlow Town parade on St. Patrick’s Day. It was decided to encourage major participation this year by the huge array of sporting clubs and organisations active in Carlow at present. The call also went out to the myriad of music, dance, fitness, drama, theatrical and creative groups active in the town to get behind this year’s parade and march behind their flags and banners. Schools and the business sector in particular are invited to make a huge effort to participate.
The meeting heard that three bands will add colour and glamour to the occasion with the Killeshin Pipe Band making it back from their engagement at the Birmingham Parade on time to lead out the Carlow parade at 3.30pm on Tuesday, 17 March. The Presentation School Band as well as St. Brigid’s Athy and District Pipe Band will also take part. Participating groups are asked to assemble in full regalia and ensure a festive mood on the streets throughout the parade. Traffic management, safety and stewarding will be provided by the Gárdaí assisted by members of Carlow Civil Defence.
Assembly will be from 2.30pm with the parade moving off at 3.30pm. Walking groups will assemble in Penneys Carpark while floats and vehicles will line up on Burrin Street which will be closed to through traffic from 2.30pm on the day. To ensure ease and safety of passage along the parade route and in particular on narrow stretches of streets, participating floats and lorries should not exceed 3 metres in width.
The parade organisers have issued an open invitation to local organisations, clubs, bands, sports groups, schools, societies and businesses to get the ball rolling immediately and be ready to join in spectacle as participants rather than spectators this year. Local traders and the business community are encouraged to have their shop windows and premises decked out in festive colours and displays.
All wishing to participate in the Carlow parade are requested to register as soon as possible. Full details and registration forms are available from 087 2857048, 059 9158105 or email eolas@glorcheatharlach.ie. Completed forms may be returned by email or marked ‘Parade’ and dropped in to reception at County Council Offices, Athy Road, Carlow.
