Patrick O’Donovan, T.D. and Cathaoirleach Liam Galvin joined members of the Newcastle West Chamber of Commerce as well as local business owners to launch the St. Patrick’s Fest Parade in The Square, Newcastle West
Marie Keating Launch Newcastle West St Patricks Fest
Newcastle West will host this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival Parade in commemoration of the centenary of the 1916 Rising, on Sunday 20th March at 3pm. The organising committee is calling on all schools, clubs, societies and community groups to take part in the afternoon’s festivities, with a limited number of places available for floats and marching groups.
Three of Ireland’s best brass bands, the Artane Band, the Newcastle West Pipe Band and the Garda Band under the baton of Garda Inspector Pat Kenny, will lead the parade, bringing the streets of Newcastle West alive with song and melody.
All schools, groups and societies wishing to enter a float or to march should meet at the assembly area in Churchtown at 1.30pm. The parade will take the usual route to incorporate as many parts of the town as possible. Spectators too are in for a treat, with many floats and features incorporating this year’s special 1916 centenary theme.
Speaking at the launch, St. Patrick’s Festival Com-mittee member Seamus Hennessy said: “We are really looking forward to this year’s very special St. Patrick’s Festival parade. There are a small number of places in the parade remaining and I strongly advise all schools and clubs interested in taking part to confirm their participation as soon as possible. We are delighted also to see so many local businesses getting involved and supporting this year’s event and what promises to be a great day out for all the family.”
See photos on page 6.