CASTLEISLAND: New start point for parade
Cormac O'Mahony enlisted the help of Eamon Dunphy, Gerry Ryan and Brian Cowen to man the JK O'Connor's float last year. Credit: Photo by John Reidy
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Wednesday March 10 2010
I ASSUMED here last week that this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Castleisland would commence at Anne Mac's Topaz Filling Station; I was wrong. A brief note from organising committee member, Ted Kenny informs us that the starting point has moved further out to the Tralee Road Industrial Estate.
The off time is still 1pm sharp and the organisers are asking that participants assemble there no later than 12.45pm.
There is quite a bit of talk about this year's parade and I've heard of all kinds of plans for all kinds of floats for next Wednesday's big event.
If you're not getting involved with the parade, either as a direct participant or as a spectator, you'd be well advised to stay clear of the town for the couple of hours it takes to run its course.
The day has provided an ideal platform for clubs, organisations and even schools to put their wares on display.
There is sure to be floats to pass comment on the state of post, Celtic Tiger Ireland and the appalling sate of the roads of the county. And, apart from celebrating the great national holiday, it gives people an opportunity for a bit of culture tasting, sampling, supping or whatever you like yourself.
The occasion also presents an opportunity to vent – through artistic expression - the widespread feelings of anger and frustration now gripping the country.
The Industrial Estate start will give organisers and participants a great breathing space and, with ample parking in the area it should prove an ideal launching pad.
This is another event which will benefit greatly from the coming of the by-pass. This means that the parade and the likes of the annual November 1 horse fair will have the space of the town to themselves for the unique and different cultural experiences they provide to their followers.
There is a great sense of appreciation by the parade committee for the hundreds of spectators who line the streets here every year to view the passing and colourful spectacle. Their participation is invited and welcomed again this year.
If you have any ideas for a float, fancy dress or any of the ingredients that make up such days of abandonment – get working on it now and get yourself down to the Tralee Road Industrial Estate before a quarter to one on Wednesday.
It is St. Patrick's Day – our great national holiday. Those with the energy owe it to themselves and to their fellow countrymen to strike a fanfare for the common man.
