Weather fails to dampen spirit of Galway’s parades
The threat of rain was ever-present, but even the worst of the weather didn’t materialise to dampen the spirits as Galway came out in force to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
An estimated crowd of more than 30,000 spectators braved the wet and cold weather to line the route from University of Galway to Eyre Square and onwards to The Black Box on Dyke Road.
‘Legends and Rising Stars’ was the theme of this year’s parade, which was led by the Town Crier of Galway, Liam Silke.
Considered a ‘legend’ by many in his hometown, former President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, and his wife Sabina, were guests of honour, travelling in the parade in a red vintage Mercedes.
Among the ‘rising stars’ on show were boys and girls from local sports clubs, and band members from Scoil San Phroinsias.
Around 3,000 participants representing more than 70 organisations were invited by the parade organisers to “shine a spotlight on the people and stories that inspire them” and to “bring to life a tale from mythology or folklore”.
There was an international flavour to the parade in the City of the Tribes with participants from the Ukrainian Groups Network, Polish House Galway, Ghana Union Galway, Mexicans in Galway, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Galway Latvian Support Group, Georgian Community in Galway, Irish Falun Dafa Association (Falun Gong), Galway Filipino Irish Community, and Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine.
Among the marching bands providing the soundtrack was the vibrant visiting Chicago Garda Pipes and Drums, and Galway’s own St Patrick’s Brass Band.
Attendances at parades across the county – stretching from Ballinasloe to Mountbellew, Castleblakeney, Athenry, Clonberne and Abbeyknockmoy and onto Tuam – were equally impressive.
Celebrations continued with live Irish music from Kettle Boilers, Na Heasógaí and Backwest on main stage in Eyre Square until early evening.
Attendances at parades across the county – stretching from Ballinasloe to Mountbellew, Castleblakeney, Athenry, Clonberne and Abbeyknockmoy and onto Tuam – were equally impressive.
Many simply held traditional music sessions involving local artists and school children rather than risking braving the elements as there was certainly a wind chill factor out there.
So too were some of the parades and events in smaller towns and villages such as Claregalway, Corofin, Dunmore, Clonberne, Milltown and Glenamaddy.
The parade in Abbeyknockmoy was the envy of the county, dominated by imaginative floats including one from Monivea-Abbey GAA Club that even had a barbeque cooking for those in attendance.
The organisers invariably 'push the boat out' and even held an Ireland's Got Talent event to coincide with the activities.
Throughout the afternoon the wind and rain continued to persist across North and East Galway as woolly caps and scarfs became the order of the day for those who braved the weather conditions.
Athenry’s parade was one of the earliest with the Year of the Fire Horse as its theme – a symbol of bold change, fiery passion, momentum, and freedom.
Claregalway did not have a street parade as it would cause serious traffic disruption on the old N17. So they a St Patrick’s Day Festival in the courtyard behind Hughes SuperValu, and it was well attended by local families with music, performances and local entertainment.
Out in North Galway, Clonberne has enjoyed continued success with its parade which has been held for several years now. It attracts local entries as well as those from surrounding communities.
Corofin doesn’t hold a parade, but Corofin Comhaltas hosted a full programme of traditional music events, with activities for musicians of all ages taking place in Corofin and Tuam.
In Tuam, the public were being urged to love their town this St Patrick’s Day. The theme of ‘Love Your Town’ was to remind people of their individual responsibility for their town and area, for the upkeep of the streets, public areas, residential estates and parks.
The parade in Dunmore was also an early starter and got underway after morning Mass. It began with a kiddie’s tractor parade, with plenty of interest to see who took home the €1,000 cash prize for best entry.
The Williamstown St. Patrick’s Day Parade started at the local Sports Complex. All those taking part were asked to assemble there at 2pm.
No doubt there was numerous colourful costumes and imaginative floats to be seen as is usually the case. Despite the weather, there was a sizeable turnout for this community event.
Mountbellew was also one of the first parades to get underway in the region with groups, floats and participants setting off around the town at 12 noon.
Castleblakeney also held a parade this year, followed by a trad session afterwards in Nolan’s Bar – and there were plenty of entries for the Glenamaddy Parade.
Headford enjoyed a full morning of family-friendly entertainment organised by the Headford and District Association, with face painting, Drumadore and a performance from the Coleman School of Dance. The Kilcoona Scouts also hosted a bake sale in the Square, raising funds for an upcoming trip – all facets of life across the county adding up to a spectacular celebration.