St Patrick's Day: Diversity and inclusion celebrated in colour

Excited crowds gathered early in anticipation of this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Athlone, lining the streets from Irishtown to Connaught Street. There was plenty of green on display and the locals were joined by many visitors to the town on the day, braving the cold in favour of some diversion and entertainment. The parade itself was the biggest ever according to organisers, with over 60 entrants and there was a wide range of diverse displays. The army band of the 4th Western Brigade kicked off proceedings with gusto. Armed soldiers marched along in time and in camouflage, while the tanks, taking up the whole width of the streets, kept kids wide-eyed. A huge number of sporting clubs and organisations turned out on the day, proving that one of Athlone's bedrocks is its sporting heritage and traditions, as young and old proudly decked out in their club colours, marched along the streets. Included were Willow Park FC, St Peter's AFC (in appropriate green and white), Athlone GAA club, Southern Gaels hurling club, Athlone Special Olympics - who will soon be heading to Athens to do us proud - and Athlone Hockey club. The Athlone Sub Aqua club was the deserving overall winner of the parade entertaining crowds with a creative 'Under the Sea' theme. Frog men marched along in full sub-aqua gear, while other members balanced on their rib boats. Their float contained some charming green-tinged mermaids while a sea god - either Neptune or Poseidon - reigned over proceedings with his trident. A leprechaun took over Larry's Bar scooter for the day, while staff of Larry's created a stir in a giant camper van, decked out in green, white and gold. A ballerina elephant danced alongside the Coosan Anglers, while a clown with wonderful make-up handed out daffodils to the little girls in the crowd. A giant microphone and headphones promoted Athlone Community Radio while the Athlone Ravens Marching Band and the Athlone Town Youth Marching Band both provided some electrifying tunes to keep everyone to the beat. The Irish dancers with their colourful wigs were eye-catching and the vintage wedding cars provided glamour, carrying some stunning brides and handsome grooms. Grotesque giants and flame-throwers from Tonnta provided some drama while the distinctive River of Life red double decker bus praised the lord. There were little equestrian lovers and the gymnastics club, scouts and the Athlone Archeological and Heritage Group - something for everyone on this inclusive day of national celebration and community spirit. The parade committee said it's great to see this event going from strength the strength each year and Athlone can be proud of what it achieved once again. The Parade Committee would sincerely like to thank its sponsors; Athlone Town Council, Westmeath County Council, Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Bank, Callahan's Butchers, Val Beaumount, Tesco Golden Island, Super Value Monksland, Vincent Bannon, Dunnes Stores Montree, Colm Flanagan (Flancare), Tony Quinn (Quinn Transport), Tom Mullvey (Fruit & Veg Johnstown). Without this sponsorship the Parade and other activities could not take place. A big thank you to Athlone Town Council staff, the local Gardaí, the Department of Defence and local media. Thanks to DJ Peter Casey on the reviewing stand, Linda-Jo Quinn for co-ordinating the stand and judges, parade judges Seamus, Dermott and Michael, window display judges Mairead and Emilia, and the committee members including Chairperson Helen McCaul. A big thank you to all the volunteers who supported the parade organisers on the day and finally to all the groups who participated in the parade without which it could not happen. Window Display Winners: 1st - Kadee 2nd - St Vincent De Paul shop 3rd - Topaz Parade Winners: Overall winner: Athlone Sub Aqua Best Commercial Entry: Equestrian Centre Moydrum Best Community Entry: Athlone Fire Brigade Best Voluntary Entry: Athlone Youth Marching Band Best Sporting Entry: Willow Park Best Youth Entry: Southern Gaels Best Creative Entry: St Hilda's School Award for Originality: Larry's Bar Best Effort Award: WCD After Schools Adjudicator award: Hynes Quinn