Committee announces new route and additional sponsorship
The launch this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which took place in McHugh’s Barrel Venue was an occasion of relief for committee members after the cancellation of the previous two parades.
Members of Drogheda Comhaltas took to the stage and reminded the audience of the heady days of Fleadh Ceoil with a few jigs and reels before Cionnach Farrell had everyone in awe with his version of “Grace”.
The Chairperson of Drogheda Festival’s Committee, Sarah Taaffe expressed her relief and gratitude that the main sponsors for this year’s parade Wogan’s Build Centre had remained on board after coming to the rescue two years ago when the parade faced an uncertain future.
She also revealed that, thanks to additional sponsorship from Coca-Cola and Drogheda BIDS, this year’s parade will be one of the best ever, with a new route running across West Street for the first time in many years.
As Sarah wound up her speech she expressed her special thanks to Mandy Flood of Alterations by Mandy for the beautiful sash that will be worn by this year’s Grand Marshall. The excitement in the room was mounting as Sarah announced that none other than the previous Chairperson of the parade committee, Isobel Sanroma will be wearing Mandy’s wonderful sash on the big day.
Isobel, who for 33 years was the driving force behind the Drogheda parade, said she was honoured to be selected as Grand Marshall and expressed her gratitude to Sarah and also praised the work she and her new committee have put in to continue the legacy that she began many moons ago.
Taking the mic from Isobel was Mayor James Byrne who congratulated her on her role and also praised Sarah and the hard work her committee have put in to get the parade going this year.
Drogheda Comhaltas and members of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee at the official launch of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Mc Hugh’s Venue. Photo: Jimmy Weldon.
Next to the stage was Drogheda Festival’s Committee member Declan Garry who outlined the parade route. From its new starting point at Palace Street the parade will run down Laurence’s Street, across West Street, past the viewing stand outside St. Peters Church.
The parade will then turn down Dominic’s Street taking a left onto Wellington Quay before progressing across Dyer Street, onto Shop Street with a final turn onto the North Quay.
He explained that securing the new route was one of the main objectives of the new Committee and thanked in particular the support of Collette Moss and Darius Messiyah of Louth County Council and Chief Superintend Andrew Watters, Sergeant Michael Parry Jones, Garda Lauren Mulholland and Garda Amy Sullivan.
A new initiative for this year’s parade involves catering for those who may have sensory issues and the loud noises and whistles of the parade which they can find quite distressing at times. In a desire to ensure this year’s parade is the most inclusive ever, Committee PRO Eoghan Darcy thanked Jacinta Walsh of Louth Meath Autism Services for helping make Dominic’s Street a special Sensory St. for the occasion. In this area parents and children will be able to enjoy all the sights and spectacle of St. Patrick’s Day without the loud sounds as participants in the parade will be encouraged to take into account the needs of others to ensure the parade is a joy for all.
In addition to the Sensory Street initiative, Drogheda BIDS Town Manager Trevor Connelly announced a Window Dressing Competition for business premises across the town and after the absence of two years encouraged everyone to get into the St. Patrick’s Day Spirit. The winning entry will take away a lovely specially commissioned trophy and a LOVE Drogheda voucher.
Speaking of trophies also in attendance was Julie Plunkett of Coca-Cola who sponsor the prize for best parade entry. She had brought along the gorgeous trophy which was specially commissioned by Coca-Cola HQ in Atlanta, Georgia. Julie will also be a judge on this year’s panel along with Phil Conyngham and the Drogheda Independent’s Alison Comyn.
Winding up proceedings, Niall Wogan praised all the hard work that has been done by Sarah and her Committee while also taking time to reflect on what a wonderful occasion this will be for young families and the children of the town.
“We’re very excited as a family to play our part in making sure this year’s parade is one of the best ever but perhaps even more excited as a parent to be able to bring my fouryear old to their first parade”.
In testament to their commitment to the children of Drogheda Wogan’s Build Centre are also running a colouring competition for Primary School children with prizes of a Pizza Party from Supermac’s and a voucher for Funtasia.
The Drogheda Festival’s Committee would also like to thank the following for attending the launch and support for this years parade. Ged Nash TD, Councillors Tom Cunningham, Joanna Byrne. Danielle Mc Loughlin – St. John’s Ambulance, Dermot McConneran – Irish Coast Guard, Adrian Cooney – Drogheda River Rescue, Peter Dolan – Scotch Hall, Ciara Nixon – St. Laurence’s Centre, Declan Power – The Barbican Centre, Drogheda Port Company, Drogheda Fire Brigade, Vincent Black and Gerry Smith.
