By Dan Walsh
The traditional St. Patrick’s Day parades are taking place across Co. Wexford, mostly on Monday, but two events will take place on Sunday – Rathgarogue and Fethard-on-Sea – but here is a list of the parades closest to you.
RATHGAROGUE; This is the first ever parade in Rathgarogue and it takes place on Sunday at 11am at the old Railway Walk opposite Rathgarogue Church.
FETHARD-ON-SEA; Also on Sunday at 2pm. There are prizes for the best Fethard Float and a ‘Best Dressed Dog’ competition!
DUNCANNON; The Duncannon Village St. Patrick’s Day gets under way at 11am.
CARRIG-ON-BANNOW; Cllr Jim Codd has confirmed his attendance at Carrig-on-Bannow St. Patrick’s Day parade at 2pm. Always a great day for families and community pride, and of course, plenty of traditional music.
CLONROCHE; The floats will gather at Clonroche Mill and head through the village, past the viewing platform from a 1.30pm start. Over 25 business, local voluntary and sporting groups will participate.
COOLGREANY; Mid-day start to the annual Coolgreany St. Patrick’s Day parade. Expect colour, music and vintage vehicles. The annual duck race takes place after the parade.
BUNCLODY; Sets off from Tírlán at Carrigduff and down through the Main Street and onto Ryland Road. 10.40am start. Blessing of the shamrock at Market Square. No one is allowed on trailers or floats this year.
KILTEALY; The Kiltealy St. Patrick’s Day parade starts at the Community Centre at 1pm.Prizes for the best floats.
‘The Commons’ Curragraigue, Ballindaggin, renowned as “the smallest, shortest and least known parade” is a fun event that has been taking place on St. Patrick’s Day in recent years. All are invited to participate. It commences at 11am and is completed by 11.05am or maybe a bit later! Contact Michael Fortune at folklore.ie for more details.
ENNISCORTHY; Usual route. Starts at the Shannon Chapel in Templeshannon, over the Rafter Bridge and finishing in Market Square. Viewing stand in Abbey Square and music in Market Square afterwards. Gets underway at 3pm.
GOREY; 3pm start. The parade will have bands and floats and travel the long Main Street and onto Esmonde Street. This year’s theme is ‘Going Green’.
NEW ROSS; Commencing at 2pm from the Irishtown. This year’s theme is ‘Heroes’ and local athlete Linda Kelly is Grand Marshal. The parade concludes on the quay close to the Dunbrody Visitor Centre.
WEXFORD; Thousands are expected to line the quayside between Trinity Street and Redmond Square with a 10.30am start. Bishop Ger Nash will perform the blessing of shamrock ceremony at 9am in Bride Street Church. Prize-giving awards ceremony in Macken’s, The Bull Ring at 7pm. The Wexford town parade is always a spectacle and has been honouring St. Patrick in this way since 1904!
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