By Dan Walsh at Gorey and Curragraigue
The ‘HAPPY’ was put back into St. Patrick’s Day as crowds gathered in big numbers at parades across Co. Wexford today. It was 16 degrees in Gorey as thousands lined the entire parade route on both sides of the Main Street.
It took forty minutes for all the groups and exhibits to pass the reviewing stand on Esmonde Street. The parade was led by Gorey Pipe Band, followed by a colour party, and Grand Marshal Joe Dixon who was accompanied by frontline workers as his guests in public tribute for their commitment to the people of the community during the pandemic.
Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge District Council pledged the support of North Wexford when the flags from Poland and Ukraine reached the reviewing stand.
The parade was colourful, the crowds were cheerful, the participants were rejoicing at the freedom of public recognition and community spirit was once again overflowing.
I also took in the world’s shortest parade at Curragraigue where the small close-knit community turned out in big numbers with Bridget the sheep stealing most of the attention! Great fun with the children getting most attention and refreshments for all in the rural setting.
Ballindaggin Pipe Band was represented having played in Bunclody earlier in the day before heading to Enniscorthy for the afternoon parade where the crowds were also reported to be out in force.
By all accounts it was the happiest St. Patrick’s Day for a long time, aided in no small way by the pleasant weather conditions, and great credit must go to all the organisers who rejuvenated community spirit and brought a smile back on people’s faces.
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