Lanesboro parade promises to be a memorable one

Excitement is building on the banks of the Shannon as preparations for the St Patrick ’s Day Parade in Lanesboro and Ballyleague are well advanced.
There is a great deal of ongoing endeavour and creativity as businesses and community groups put in tremendous efforts and prepare their floats for the returning community event.

Teresa Costello, chairperson of the Lanesboro Ballyleague St Patrick's Day parade said their plans are coming together positively.
“Preparations are going well and we are all really looking forward to it.
“We don't have a theme for our parade and we feel this gives the groups involved a lot of scope and freedom to bring their own colour to the event,” she added.

Teresa stated the parade always attracts a good crowd, both in terms of floats and spectators.
“We are expecting hundreds of people and there is always a great atmosphere and I'm sure this year will be no different," she said. "The day will start with the St Patrick’s Day Mass in St Mary’s Church at 11am with traditional musicians, the parish choir and dancers and that will set the scene before the parade," she added.

Teresa said there will be lots of variety, colour and entertainment provided by the floats and musicians.
She stated they are thankful to their main sponsor Heineken and an abundance of local retailers and companies who help to make the Lanesboro Ballyleague St Patrick's Day parade such a popular annual event.
"The local businesses have all been very supportive and they have got behind the event again this year," she added.
The overall winning float will receive €300 and a trophy.
Other categories that will be judged – Best Club, Best Junior, Best Vintage, Best Business, Best Dressed Window, and Most Original with the winners receiving €50 and a trophy.

The day kicks off with the traditional St Patrick's Day Mass, which will include the talents of the local parish choir, local dancers and Irish musicians, in St Mary’s Church at 11am.
As usual the parade commences with the gathering of floats at the St. Faithleachs GAA Club House for a departure time of 2.30pm, before travelling through the town to Lanesboro Community College.
Teresa encouraged people to visit the town for the celebration.

There will also be a raffle with attractive prizes for five lucky winners.
The Lanesboro Ballyleague St Patrick's Day parade has a reputation of being one of the county's best and most vibrant events and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of entertainment to celebrate our patron saint is being planned by organisers.