A 97-year-old Patrick has been named as the Grand Marshall for this year's Ennis St Patrick's Day Parade.
'Pakie' Wall from Ballydineen, Kilmihil, has been appointed to the role following a nomination process through Clare County Council for the oldest living Patrick in Clare.
Each year the Parade organising committee names a Grand Marshall that has made an outstanding contribution to community life in Ennis and County Clare.
And this year Clare County Council decided to give official recognition to older members of our community who have likewise made important contributions to their community throughout their lives.
The search for the oldest Patrick in Clare was launched just over a month ago and now 97-year-old Patrick Wall, a retired farmer from Ballydineen, Kilmihil has been selected following the nomination process.
Pakie will join Mayor of Ennis Pat Daly in leading the parade in a horse-drawn carriage, which will be followed by approximately 50 groups representing the many aspects of life in Ennis and County Clare.
Mayor Daly says it's important to recognise the older members of our communities.
More than 10,000 people are expected to line the streets of the Clare County Capital on March 17th for the annual event.
The theme of this year's parade is "Clare County of Culture" in recognition of the celebration and promotion of Clare as a County of Culture in the lead up to the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Ennis this August.
