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The Lord Abbot of Mount St. Joseph’s Abbey, Roscrea is to review Roscrea’s 32nd St. Patrick’s Day Parade which this year takes place on the Sunday before the National Feast Day i.e. Sunday, March 14th at 3 o’clock. As well as being Parade Guest of Honour and reviewing it, Dom Richard will also be Guest of Honour at a pre-parade reception in Damer Court Hotel for the Parade’s guests, at which the blessing of the Shamrock will take place. Dom Richard is Ireland’s and perhaps the World’s youngest Cistercian Abbot having received special permission from Rome to be elected at age 33 years.
The people of Roscrea and surrounding districts will be lining the streets of Roscrea on Sunday, March 14th anxiously awaiting the town’s 32nd successive Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and will be entertained by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann’s Roscrea Branch in the square prior to the start of the parade. As in previous years the Parade will commence at 3p.m. and will kick off from the old Dublin Road, through the town’s Church and Castle Streets, passing the Review Stand in the town’s square and will then proceed through Main Street.
This year the Committee have decided to hold a Busking Competition from 1pm – 3pm on Castle Street and Main Street. 1st Prize: €200 and 2nd Prize: €100. Among the bands in this year’s parade will be the McDonagh Pipe Band, Sean Treacy Pipe Band, St. Colmcille’s Pipe Band, CJ Kickhams Brass & Reed Band, Jacoré Kilkenny Samba Group and the Patrician Primary Brass Band.
Without the assistance of the entire community it would not be possible to continue organising a Parade in Roscrea, as annually the cost increases and fund raising becomes more difficult for a small number of people. The organising committee are therefore seeking floats from the Industrial, Business and Voluntary sector and also floats from schools, sports clubs, music groups, social clubs etc. As usual there will be a parade narration from the Review Stand which will facilitate float entrants in advertising their businesses or promoting their organisations’ objectives. Those seeking details of this year’s parade, wishing to include floats, offers of support etc. should contact Marie Tooher or Susan Crawford at the Community office, Roscrea Abbey Community Centre, Abbey Street, Roscrea. Telephone 0505 23183.
There are numerous trophies and two cash prizes 1st: €200 and 2nd €100 for entrants into the Parade and organisers are appealing to all sectors of the community, businesses, clubs, organisations, schools, community groups, residence associations, novelty items and individuals to bring their talents and messages onto the streets of Roscrea in a colourful, amusing and entertaining way.
The award categories are as follows:- Best Overall – Chamber of Commerce Perpetual Trophy, Best Sporting – R.C.T.L.C. Perpetual Trophy, Best Local Community Group – Charlie Doyle Perpetual Cup presented by R.C.D.C, Irish Language – Tiobraid Arann ag Labhairt, Best Schools entry – Bernie’s Super Valu Perpetual, Best Cultural and Traditional – John O’Donnell Perpetual Shield, Most Entertaining Band – Michael Delahunty Perpetual Trophy, Best Local Industrial and Commercial – Lupton & Associates Perpetual Trophy, Best entry from a Local Club or Organisation sponsored by Roscrea Tidy Towns Committee, Best Fancy Dress Adult – St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Fancy Dress Juvenile – St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Special Merit Award – St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Special Recognition Award (trophy), and the Special Award – Shop Window Display - for the shop which best promotes an awareness of tourism in Roscrea, sponsored by Roscrea Heritage Society.
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