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Friday, 9th February 2024

Colin O’Donoghue is Grand Marshall of this year’s Patrick’s Day Parade

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Sarah Taaffe, St Patricks Day Committee with sponsors Garrett Wogan, Wogans Build Centre, Hubert Murphy, President of Drogheda Chamber, Nichola Kelly, Scotch Hall and Trevor Connolly, Love Drogheda Bids at the Launch of the 2024 Drogheda St.Patricks Festival at McHughs. Photo: Jenny Callanan.

The big announcement at last night’s launch of Drogheda’s 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival at McHugh’s Barrel Venue was that Drogheda born film star and musician Colin O’Donoghue is to be this year’s Grand Marshall.

“Colin is perhaps best known for his role in the movie the Rite alongside Anthony Hopkins, he’s been on Disney and Netflix plus many other shows. He’s also played as a musician with Local band The Enemies so we are delighted to honour him” said Drogheda Festivals Chairperson of Sarah Taaffe.

“We are very grateful to our sponsors Wogan Build, Love Drogheda BID and Louth County Council for their much needed sponsorship” Sarah said.

“As we all know, the parade was almost finished in Drogheda a few years ago and indeed there are many towns around the country where it has ceased to exist.

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“But the positivity, help and support in Drogheda is very much alive and strong to the point where we’ve partnered up with Scotch Hall and the D hotel to run a four- day event. Watch this space for more details on the exciting events being held along the River Boyne.

“Droichead Arts Centre are back this year and Colette Farrell spoke about bringing out the artistic side of Drogheda and bringing the creative process of the parade into local schools.

“Garrett Wogan from Wogan Build spoke of their delight at being involved in this historic event. Trevor Connolly from Love Drogheda BIDs congratulated the enormous amount of voluntary work involved from the community especially from Drogheda Festivals.

Sandra Reay, Ger Carley, Nichola Kelly (Sponsor Scotch Hall), Sarah Taaffe, Darragh Ó Héiligh, Rose Dunne and Liam Reay at the Launch of the 2024 Drogheda St.Patricks Festival at McHughs.

Drogheda’s new Nighttime Economy Officer, Mark Davies, spoke on behalf of Louth County Council’s continued support for the parade and is really looking forward to joining the team in his new position.
Killian Allen Events and Funfair spoke on behalf of Scotch Hall and the D hotel as event Manager. He announced a four-day event running from Friday 15th to Monday 18th along the Boyne on the Plaza.

The LoveDrogheda fireworks display from Scotch Hall and the D hotel on the Friday night will be very exciting. There will be a stage there for the weekend with various music and dance acts sponsored by the D Hotel. There’ll be a fun fair, face painters, stalls and plenty of entertainment. (More details to follow).

Cllr.Michelle Hall, Trevor Connolly from Drogheda BIDS, Sarah Taaffe from St.Patricks Day Committee and Cllr.Paddy McQuillan at the Launch of the 2024 Drogheda St.Patricks Festival at McHughs. Photo: Jenny Callanan.

Deputy Mayor Kevin Callan congratulated all involved and the importance of community collaboration. He also thanked Councillors Michelle Hall, Paddy McQuillan and Joanna Byrne for attending and showing their support for the Festival.

Hubert Murphy from Drogheda and District Chamber announced that they would be running a best dressed window competition and encouraged all businesses to dress up our town for the event.
Sarah then thanked local Gardaí, who were in attendance, plus the many other civic groups for their strong support and help with running the parade.

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