With just two weeks to go to St. Patrick’s Day, the Mallow Parade Committee officially launched their plans on Monday at Mallow GAA Complex, with the help of young pupils from the Naionra. Also present, standing tall and proud, was the Grand Marshall, Eugene Cosgrove. Speaking to the Mallow Star, Eugene said, “I was absolutely delighted to have been chosen to lead this year’s Mallow St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I am really looking forward to turning the corner of the Town Park, and to facing down Thomas Davis Street at 2.30 pm on the 17th. I was really stunned when Hanna Sheahan phoned me with the good news of my appointment to this job. I am following on from a long list of Grand Marshalls, including the Mallow Star’s Stephen Murphy a number of years ago. I am told that last year’s Grand Marshall, Michael O’Neill, will not be able to attend this year. He has sent his apologies to the chairman Noel O’Connor. Unfortunately he has a hospital appointment about this time. On behalf of the people of Mallow may I wish you well, Michael, and hope that you will be up and around very soon again. You have done great work in promoting links between Mallow and the Tipp O’Neill family. I can sense, from all the good wishes I have received on social media, from friends from all over the world since word of my appointment as Grand Marshall for this year’s parade has been leaked to the media, that this year’s parade will be one that will be a great day’s free entertainment. I look forward to waving to one and all and to shaking many hands also.”
Also on hand on Monday was Michael O’Donovan. Michael has acted as MC for the parade for well over 20 years. Speaking to the Mallow Star Michael said, “17th March each year is always a memorable one for me. The committee do their best to keep me informed of which group is coming next, but inevitably there are impromptu remarks to be made, and I think those lining the streets of Mallow enjoy my comments. Once the parade has passed and the results have been announced, I get the job of singing the National Anthem. This is a magic moment for me and all the good things about our town and our country come to mind. I am grateful to Maire Ui Bhriain, Secretary, and Rose Kelleher, who supply me with information on the groups. They have reminded me to ask groups which intend to participate, and have not registered, to do so as soon as possible. Looking forward to seeing all your readers on the 17th.”
The Parade will assemble in Mallow Town Park between 1.30 pm and the start time of the parade is at 2.30pm. On stage outside St. Mary’s Church from 1.45pm onwards on the Main Street, Cuisle Avondhu will provide pre-parade entertainment.