Letterkenny Chamber getting in gear for St. Patricks Day – from left are Gerry McMonagle, Letterkenny Mayor, Anne Condon, Letterkenny Chamber, Bernard Doherty, Chamber Committee, Toni Forrester, Chamber CEO and John Bowe, Chamber President. Photo Clive Wasson
As special year for Ireland Letterkenny Chamber has announced its theme for the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
In celebration of the Centenary of the 1916 Rising, which took the first steps to the birth of our nation, the theme is “Ireland 100 Years On – The Rhythm of Our Nation”.
Letterkenny’s St.Patrick’s day parade is one of the biggest in the County and this year it is hoping to get entries from a wide range of businesses, community organisations, sports clubs and bands.
With just a month to go to this national holiday that is celebrated all over the world Letterkenny Chamber President and Chamber members were joined by the Mayor of the Letterkenny Municipal District, Councillor Gerry McMonagle to formally launch this year’s parade.
Speaking at the launch Chamber President John Bowe said “St. Patrick’s Day is always an important event in the calendar and with this Centenary year it is even more special. 2016 is for everyone to understand our history and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures on our island throughout those 100 years and the multicultural society we have today. To celebrate and commemorate the Centenary we are hoping that entries this year might reflect our theme “Ireland 100 Years On – The Rhythm of Our Nation”.
We have had a great response so far and this year we once again expect large crowds in town for the whole day. The Letterkenny Parade is a great family event in Letterkenny. Last year the parade was one of the best in recent years and once again we are appealing to sporting clubs, dance groups, youth groups, clubs and societies to get involved, the more people we get involved the more colourful and lively the parade becomes.”
“Letterkenny Chamber is the sole organiser of the Parade and each year it is only through the voluntary effort of members of the Chamber and financial contributions from businesses that enable it to happen. We are proud to play our part in this important day and would ask any business large or small if they could offer a contribution it would be gratefully received and acknowledged.”
John continued “we are asking everyone to get behind our St.Patrick’s day event in Letterkenny this year. So if you have a group that would like to get involved just get in touch”.
The Parade starts as usual at 3pm on Thursday 17th March making its way from Pearse Road via Port Road, through Main Street past the viewing platform at Market Square to finish in Old Town.
On the day the independent judges view the parade with various categories in mind including community, sports, youth, band and dance. Each category winner receives a plaque and the overall winning entry receives the Danny Doherty Perpetual Plaque plus a cheque for €500.
To enter a float or for more information contact Letterkenny Chamber on 074 9124866 or email anne@letterkennychamber.com.
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