Athlone Army Band to lead St Patrick's Day Parade in Tullamore on 40th anniversary

The Army Band from Athlone will lead this year's St Patrick's Day Parade in Tullamore as the parade celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

Parade secretary, Sean O'Brien, said: "We are delighted that the Army Band will lead the parade this year, as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the founding of the parade.

"We now have five major bands performing. It is a year of celebrations for many organisations with the Camogie club celebrating a 50th Anniversary and Tullamore Credit Union celebrating a 60th Anniversary, and we will hear of more over the coming weeks."

The Parade takes place on Friday, March 17, starting at 11.30am. The theme this year is "Tidy Towns-Our Community Effort. Is Feidir Linn Le Cheile." All groups are asked to reflect this theme in their entry.

The Review Stand will be located in Colmcille St., outside the Texas Store. Large crowds gather here to view the Parade and people are advised to come early as there will be entertainment from 11am. There will be an area reserved for wheelchair users and elderly opposite the Review Stand.

Pet lovers are very welcome to walk in the parade with their dogs and there will be a special prize for the Best Dressed Dog. Businesses are advised that there will be a prize for the Best Window Display which will be judged on St Patrick's week There will be ten categories for prize winners and these will be presented at a Presentation Night on Friday, March 31.

Entries are still welcome, simply call any of the contacts listed below or email seanobrientullamore@gmail.com. If your group want the MC to comment on their entry a script can be sent to this email address also. For more information visit the website here.