Communities across Clare are putting the finishing touches to their St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Parades and festivities showcasing local culture and heritage are planned in towns and villages across the county, both on the day itself and over the preceding weekend.
Legends, near and far, past and present, will be honoured in West Clare’s largest parade this St Patrick’s Day.
Fifty years on from what’s described as one of the great eras of Kilrush Shamrocks Football Club, when the club won five successive senior football championships, the winning captains from that golden era will serve as the parade’s Grand Marshals.
Live entertainment at Market Square starts from 2:30, while the parade itself, which promises a colourful community celebration showcasing culture, achievement and heritage, kicks off at 3pm.
Later this year, a book retelling the story of Kilrush Shamrocks’ golden era will be published, and author Chris Dixon explains why this year’s theme of “Legends” has gotten so much buy in from the local community.
Tulla’s “Folklore and Fantasy” themed celebrations get underway from 4pm this St Patrick’s Day, with assembly at St Mochulla’s National School from 3:45.
The parade will be led by the Tulla Pipe Band, travelling from the school up the main street and past the library.
Individuals, groups, floats and vintage entries are all encouraged to take part.
In the days surrounding the event, photos from Tulla parades of years gone by will be displayed in business and residential windows throughout the village.
Meanwhile, the old bridge will reopen for this year’s Ballina–Killaloe St Patrick’s Day parade, which gets underway at 2:30pm.
The parade will take its usual route from Ballina, crossing the old bridge and finishing on the Green in Killaloe.
Organiser Arlene White says there will be plenty entertainment on the day.
Kilkee’s parade begins at 12:30 sharp on Tuesday March 17th, while the 37th annual St Patrick’s Day parade leaves Tuamgraney at 3pm.
While in Ennistymon, festivities begin with traditional music from 2 o’clock, with the parade setting off from Deerpark at 3pm.
And, Kilkishen’s annual parade takes place on the Sunday before St Patrick’s Day.
Hosted by Kilkishen Development, the parade begins at Kilkishen GAA Club at 11:30am and finishes at The Forge.
Listen to the full roundup on Clare FM’s Morning Focus here
