St. Patrick's Day Parade in Castlebar is going ahead

FEARS over the holding of a St. Patrick's Day Parade in Castlebar next month have been allayed.

Concerns in regard to the event were created earlier this week when the outgoing parade committee disbanded due to other commitments by its members.

Now Castlebar Chamber of Commerce has agreed to help in facilitating the staging of the parade until a new committee is put in place.

The chamber met with the cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District, Councillor Martin McLoughlin, today. He issued an appeal for the chamber, along with a number of other voluntary organisations, to come on board to ensure the parade proceeds on March 17 next.

A meeting to put plans in place takes place in Mulroy's Bar and Restaurant, Main Street, on Monday next, February 12, at 5 p.m. to make the necessary arrangements.

All groups with an interest in the town's development is invited to attend.

Councillor McLoughlin thanked the chamber and other groups for coming on board at this time in order 'to get the parade over the line in 2018'.

He also paid tribute to members of the outgoing commitee who have agreed to provide the necessary guidance, help and direction.

“It can be stated categorically now that the St. Patrick's Day Parade is going ahead as usual in the county town and those planning their participation in it should continue to do so,” he added.

The parade will assemble at the McHale Road Industrial Estate/An Sportlann area from 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, and start at 3 p.m. It will take the usual route through the town with a reviewing stand at Main Street.