St Patrick's Day: Two days of festivities lined up for Ballymahon this weekend

This week marked two years since the first lockdown due to Covid-19 in Ireland, meaning two years since St Patrick’s Day was well and truly celebrated in the country.

So it goes without saying that this St Patrick’s Day will be an extra special celebration in Ballymahon. And, with the double bank holiday, it seems right that the festivities be stretched out over Thursday and Friday to give locals and visitors alike that extra bit of enjoyment.

The parade, as always, will take place on St Patrick’s Day, March 17, starting at 4pm, and there will be a host of floats and groups marching from Creevaghbeg road up the town’s Main Street which will hopefully be lined with people coming out to celebrate the festival we have missed throughout the pandemic.

Cllr Pat O’Toole of the Ballymahon St Patrick’s Day Parade organising committee said that this year’s festivities will have something for everyone over the course of two days.

“Arrangements for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade are well advanced as we look forward to big turn out on the day and hopefully good weather,” he explained.

“The parade will commence from the Creevaghbeg Road at 4pm and will be led by the Longford Pipe Band and a colour party from the Peter Keenan branch Longford ONE.

“Those entering floats from business, the community, voluntary and sporting sector and our schools are asked to assemble on the Creevagh- beg Road from 3.15pm.

“Regarding traffic management and parking we request that everyone work in tandem with the Gardaí, Civil Defence, and our stewards,” he added.

Friday, March 18, will see a host of musical talents perform in Ballymahon, which will extend the celebrations to the weekend.

“On Friday March 18th the St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee in collaboration with Longford Live and Local will welcome the Gig Rig to town from 3pm to 5pm for a host of live music,” Cllr O’Toole revealed.

“The Gig Rig will be located at the new Artisan Market space at Finnegan’s Garage so come along and enjoy some of Longford’s many musical talents.

“Finally to round up the St Patrick’s Day festivities, Still Voices Film Society will host a Feature Film, Arracht, directed by Tomas O’Suilleabhain in Ballymahon Library at 8pm on the Friday night.

“There is something for everyone over the two days of March 17th and 18th so come along lend your support and enjoy,” he concluded.