Dundalk FC players John Mountney, Chris Shields and Daryl Horgan with manager Stephen Kenny and local kids at the launch of the St Patrick’s Day parade. Kenny will be this year’s Grand Marshal
There was a very successful and enjoyable launch of this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade on Thursday evening at An Táin Arts Centre.
The organising committee were delighted to have Dundalk FC manager, Stephen Kenny in attendance following his appointment as this year’s parade Grand Marshall. Stephen was a well-deserved choice having guided Dundalk FC to their 10th league title in 2014 after a 19-year wait.
“I am overwhelmed by the community spirit in Dundalk,” declared Stephen, who added he was extremely humbled by being asked to be Grand Marshall for this year’s parade.
The committee said they were grateful to Kieran Herr of Horseware Products Ltd and Paul Rogan of Moffett Engineering Ltd, two of the main sponsors, for attending on the night. Among those who attended the launch were Paddy Matthews President Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and Brian O’Neill, Chairman of Dundalk BIDS and many local councillors.
The entertainment provided by Dance Kids, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann Dún Dealgan and DKIT’s Circus Arts Society was spectacular and everyone in the area can look forward to seeing them participate in the parade.
Members of the Dance Kids performing at the launch of the St Patrick’s Day parade
The judges selected this year are Independent Councillor Maeve Yore, Sinéad Roche Dundalk Tourist Officer, Sarah McCann Head of Creative Media DKIT, Sinéad McNally local singer/song writer and Alan Doherty, Dundalk Musical Society. They will be guided by Paul Hayes, An Táin Arts Centre’s Artistic Director who is looking for more innovation and creativity from the participants this year and he believes that they will have ample opportunity with the broad theme of ‘Myths, Magical and Miracles’. For those who wish to get some artistic direction, they can contact Paul via the antain.ie website.
Media coverage on the night was provided by Pat O Shaughnessy of LMFM, Marissa Luchessi of Dundalk FM and St Patrick’s Day committee PRO Helena Mullins with Border Region TV.
Anyone wishing to take part in this year’s parade, please email certs@dundalk.ie or phone 042 9336343 where you can get the necessary information from Kerry Ann or Kim. Food vendors who wish to set up camp at the Market Square area please contact Mandy Fee of Pelican Promotions on 087 2222100.
With an estimated 20,000 spectators attending last year’s Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade, it is expected that this year’s parade will be a bigger and better event with wonderful entertainment for all the family. Keep an eye on the Facebook page – St Patrick’s Day Dundalk – for further updates on the parade and surrounding events.
