Public meeting to discuss 2022 St Patrick’s festival in Athlone

A steering group comprising of Cllr Frankie Keena, Gerry McInerney, Athlone Chamber of Commerce and John Henson from HB Safety Services Ltd have called a public meeting for Monday, November 1, at 8.45pm in the Bounty.

The purpose of the meeting is to establish a working committee to oversee the running of a 'Croi na hEireann' Festival in March 2022 to coincide with St Patrick’s Day.

The COVID lockdown of March 2020 forced the last minute cancellation of all events including the St Patrick's Day Parade. It is now hoped to re-establish a group to coordinate the various events and parade that would make up the 2022 festival.

“It is so important to sincerely thank all the past St Patrick Day Parade committees who voluntary gave of their time over the years to provide parades for Athlone. Their work and commitment were fantastic and is really appreciated by the public,” said Cllr Frankie Keena.

“We are now looking for like minded people who are interested in getting involved in organising and rolling out this festival next March. It is an opportunity for all Athlone to provide a ‘’wow’’ parade and a memorable festival for Athlone,” he added.

John Henson who was instrumental in bringing a large number of Americans from Providence to Athlone for the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day Parade stated that he would love to see this festival growing from strength to strength.

He said the group is looking for members of the public to share their views, bring forward new ideas and get involved in organising a fantastic festival and parade over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend next year.

Gerry McInerney from Athlone Chamber said it was very important to provide a St. Patrick’s Day festival weekend in Athlone next year.

He said the Chamber is fully supportive of this initiative, as, apart from providing great enjoyment to the public, it would provide an economic boost for local businesses, he added.

Matters for deciding at the meeting will include the establishment of an official committee, to decide on the date and theme for the 2022 St. Patrick’s Parade and ways of generating funding for the festival.

The steering group is looking forward to welcoming all those who are interested in organising a parade and festival next year which is worthy of Athlone