Pictured at the launch of the 2016 St Patrick’s Day Parade, at Mallow GAA Complex last monday, was the Grand Marshall for this year, Liam Sheehan, with Hann ‘Ma’ Sheahan, Michael O’Donovan, St Patrick, Mary O’Brien and Noel O’Connor, with gaelscoil Naionra pupils Tyler Kiely, Callum O’Brien, Conor Holey, Shay O’Brien, Jessica Galvin and Georgia Singleton. Pic, S Murphy.
With just six weeks to go to St. Patrick’s Day the Mallow Parade Committee officially launched their plans, with young pupils from the Naionra, at the Mallow GAA Complex last Monday.This is Mallow Parade number thirty. Over the last thirty years Mallow has been in festive mood on Saint Patricks Day when the annual Parade proceeded down Davis Street with much colour and spectacle. Thanks indeed to Steve Murphy for encouraging the organisation of a Parade in Mallow. He wrote week after week that every other town had its parade so why didn’t Mallow. As a result of his campaign Hanna Sheehan, Mary O Brien and the late Tommy Conroy took up the challenge and formed the first parade committee in Mallow; and that was all of thirty years ago.
There, on Monday at the Launch of this year’s Parade, standing tall and proud, was the 2016 Grand Marshall, Liam Sheehan. Speaking to the press, Liam 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 2.30pm on the 17th. I was really stunned when Mary O Brien and 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 Michael O’Neill, Hanna Sheahan, Guy Arnoud (Treguier, Brittanny) and Randy Tietz (Tinley Park, Illinois). I am pleased that last year’s Grand Marshall, Eugene Cosgrove, is on hand this morning to give me some tips about doing this great job. Eugene was a great ambassador for last year’s parade. All my life I have done much work with Mallow GAA. I played with the club in my younger days, as have my children. I have acted on many committees in the club. Not alone is this honour that has been bestowed on me, to be this years Grand Marshall, a recognition of my contribution to society in Mallow, but it also recognises the wonderful work of Mallow GAA Club also. I can sense, from all the good wishes I have received, on social media and at social functions I have attended recently, from friends from all over, 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 family entertainment. I look forward to greeting one and all at the parade on Saint Patrick’s Day and to shaking many hands, on that occasion, also.”
Also on hand at the launch on Monday was Michael O Donovan. Michael has acted as MC for the parade for well over 20 years. Speaking to the press, 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 humorous 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 cometo mind. I am grateful to Maire Ui Brian, Secretary, and Rose Kelleher who supply me with information on the groups. They have reminded me to ask groups which intend to participate, and who have not registered, should do so as soon as possible. Looking forward to seeing all your readers on the 17th.”
The theme of this year’s Parade is ‘Eireann Glas/Cead Bliain Anuas,’ or ‘Green Ireland/100 Years On.’ It is only fitting that this is our theme for this year as we continue locally and nationally to commemorate the events of 1916 throughout this year.
The parade assembles in Mallow Town Park between 1.30 pm and the start time of the Parade at 2.30pm on 17th March. On stage, outside St. Mary’s Church, from 1.45pm onwards, on Davis Street/Main Street in Mallow Cuisle Avondhu will provide pre-parade entertainment.
Intending participants in this year’s Parade, in Mallow should make contact with either Mairie Ui Bhriain in the Naoinra in the Mallow GAA Complex, or with Noel O’Connor at 087 2738222.