St Patrick's Day Parades... Where, when and what time!
After a two-year absence due to Covid, towns and villages around the county are gearing up for the return of their St Patrick's Day parades with preparations well under way.
While a number of towns opted against holding a parade, including Navan, Trim, and Ashbourne, others are forging ahead and are busy planning days of celebration and colour to mark our national saint's day.
Ratoath decided against a traditional parade given the short time frame but will still celebrate the day with a street festival instead.
Families are looking forward to getting dressed up in green and getting out to celebrate in their communities after two very subdued St Patrick's Days where the closest children got to a parade was doing their own around the house!
Ardee
Ardee's parade will start at 3pm from the Fair Green before making its way through the heart of the town. The parade will include St Joseph's Pipe Band, Ardee Concert Band, Scoraíocht Lann Léire as well as lots of local schools, clubs and organisations, vintage vehicles, tractors and more.
It will also be live streamed on the Joe Finnegan Ardee youtube channel.
Athboy
Athboy's parade starts at 12.30pm from the Fair Green. The theme is ‘Go Green’ and community groups, businesses and local organisations are gearing up for what promises to be a fun afternoon for all the family.
Dunboyne
As is tradition, Dunboyne went first and held its St Patrick's Day Parade in the village the Sunday before St Patrick's Day, (13th March). The theme this year was 'Mighty Meath'. The parade which started from Dunboyne Industrial Estate and finished up at Dunboyne National School was indeed mighty and you can see all the great snaps in this week's paper.
Enfield
Enfield's parade organised by the local community council will be led by a representative group from An Garda Siochana to mark 100 years of the force. The St Laurence Pipe Band is also confirmed.
A good number of floats have been entered and organisers are delighted that new secondary school Enfield Community College will enter for the first time. The parade will assemble at Na Fianna GAA field at 3pm and proceed through the village.
The reviewing stand is outside Innfield House. Fr. John will bless the shamrock. There will be traffic restrictions in the village, however free parking will be provided at the railway station in the village courtesy of Irish Rail from 1pm to 5pm.
Kells
Kells parade sets off at 3pm from the Fair Green/Super Valu continuing down Canon Street, Suffolk Street, and on to Farrell Street where Kells Silver Band will play on the reviewing stand. The parade continues onto Cross Street and Carrick Street before finishing at the Fair Green. The local youthreach group and A Samba band will be at the Fair Green for some entertainment before the parade starts.
Kingscourt
Kingscourt Parade will start at the Dublin Road at 1pm, making its way down the Main Street. Cavan footballer Padraig Faulkner will be the grand marshall. Lots of local community groups and organisations are taking part as well as those from other areas which are not having a parade this year. St Mary's Brass and Reed Band will lead the parade and Corduff Pipe Band will also take part.
Oldcastle
Oldcastle Parade is the first parade of the day in Meath on St Patrick's Day, setting off from the Show Hall at 12 noon with lots of local community groups and organisations taking part.
Ratoath
This year instead of a parade, Ratoath will have a street festival from 12 noon to 3pm with live music at the gig ring. Irish dancers and singers will perform.
Slane
There will be a street festival with live music at the Square from 2pm followed by the parade itself at 3pm which is led by St Patrick who lets off doves of peace at the Square. There is a €500 prize for the best walking group and €500 for the best float. There will be balloons galore and lot of cartoon charactors making an appearance. There will also be face painting for the children, making it a great family day out.
- The Meath Chronicle will be there for the parades and capturing the green-clad drama but we want to see your snaps and videos. Email to readerspics@meatchronicle.ie