Bective GFC founder and stalwart Joey Geraghty on the club's float

Royal spirit reigns at colourful parades

Towns and villages across  the region were awash with colour on Friday as local communities came out in force for the annual St Patrick's Day festivities.

What was torrential rain at times did not dampen the spirits, as thousands lined the streets to watch the colourful spectacles with thousands more participating.
Cllr Padraig Fitsimons, chairman of the Navan Shamrock Festival said the parade had been a major success despite the rain.
“There were great crowds and everyone was well behaved. There were over 50 floats and a great turn out of spectators.”
He said there was also a huge crowd at Blackwater Park on Thursday evening for the fireworks display.
There was a fantastic turnout in Kells where the local Silver Band provided music throughout the day. The colourful parade delighted adults and children alike and Kells is particularly renowned for its window dressing and did not disappoint this year.

Click on these links to see photos from parades around the county:

Oldcastle parade

Athboy parade

Navan Parade

Trim Parade

 


Athboy's 33rd Annual St Patrick's Day Parade proved a massive success with hundreds lining Main Street to enjoy the event. The threat of rain didn’t drown out the fun and extra tents lined the street to provide shelter. The theme of ‘Snakes and Scholars’ provided great entertainment and groups were commended for their interpretation and effort. This year in a progressive move the parade was broadcast live on Facebook so those at home and abroad could watch and this proved hugely popular.
Nigel Connell was the special guest performer at the Trim St Patrick's Day festivities and the crowds also enjoyed the many activities of the day and in particular the pagenatry of the parade.
There was also great colour and excitement as well as huge crowds for the spectacular parades in Ardee, Ashbourne, Enfield, Kilcock, Kingscourt, Mullagh, Oldcastle, Ratoath and Slane.