Image from the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Castlebar in 2019. Photo: Michael Brophy

Green light for St. Patrick's Day parades across Mayo

St. Patrick's Day organising committees throughout Mayo have been given the green light to proceed with the planning of their events on March 17.

The confirmation comes following the lifting of social distancing restrictions from 6 a.m. this morning.

Bernard Hughes, chairman of the Castlebar parade committee, said he has been in touch with Mayo County Council in relation to the matter and the go-ahead has been officially granted.

"It will be wonderful that we can celebrate our national holiday once again with the staging of parades for the first time since 2019," he stated.

Councillor Annie May Reape, cathaoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District, said she was happy to wake up this morning in the knowledge that a sense of normality is returning for us today.

"I am excited to see that community groups, as well as those in the hospitality sector in Ballina and across Mayo, are proceeding with plans for events in the coming weeks and months.

"My sincere best wishes to our hospitality sector business owners and their wonderful staff as they get back to full throttle and every efforts must be made to support them.

"I am really looking forward to the St. Patrick's Day Festival in Ballina as it's one to be really excited about," she stated.