This article is from page 17 of the 2011-03-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
AROUND 50 groups are expected to participate in this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis.
The announcement was made yesterday by town clerk Eddie Power who said that currently 30 groups had registered to take part in the parade on Thursday, March 17.
Mr Power told yesterday’s Ennis Municipal Policy Committee (MPC) meeting that more community groups and associations are expected to sign up in the coming days.
Mr Power said the parade offered the perfect opportunity to promote the vibrant and active community that existed in Ennis.
The parade will commence at 11am on March 17 from the Courthouse in Ennis and follow a route along Newbridge Road, to Abbey Street, O’Connell Square, O’Connell Street and to terminate in the Market.
The organising of the parade is well underway at this stage. Community groups and associations are preparing for what has become a significant community event in the local calen- dar.
Mr Power added that the parade would last for roughly an hour.
MPC chairman Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said that St Patrick’s had assumed greater significance for many famillies due to the high number of young people being forced to emigrate to look for employment.
He described the multicultural aspect of the Ennis parade as “extraordinary”.
Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) praised the work of the Ennis St Patrick’s Day committee but added that there was “room for improvement”.
He urged the council to consider inviting groups from England, Australia and American to perform at next year’s parade.
Mr Power said that a delegation from the German town of Langenfeld had attended last year’s parade in Ennis.
Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) said there was a cost factor associated with inviting groups from abroad to perform at the event.
“They don’t come on a volountary basis,” he added.