'Wait til you see the village on 17th March'... St Patrick's Day parade revival for Ballivor

For the first time in decades, Ballivor will host a St Patrick's Day Parade this year with preparations well underway for what promises to be a great day out in the village.

Claire O'Mara got the ball rolling and said for years she had wondered why there was nothing in the village for St Patrick's Day.

"I've been eight years living here and the village would be empty on St Patrick's Day with everyone leaving to go to parades in Athboy, Trim, Navan, or Enfield. I've always thought there should be something. The shops would be decorated but that was it," said Claire.

She also said there are a lot of people in the village who don't have cars and would have been relying on public transport to get to a parade.

Claire put a proposal together and went to the Community Council who were supportive and it's now full steam ahead for the parade. The committee made up of Claire O'Mara, Ann Corrigan, Martin Keegan, Tommy Ryan, Charlene Keegan and Caoimhe McKeown, are now busy finalising the preparations.

To fundraise for the cost of running the parade, including insurance and hiring barriers, a disco bingo fundraiser took place in Byrnes at the weekend. A further quiz fundraiser followed by a disco takes place in McLaughlins on 24th February.

Claire said there is a great buzz around the village and that local businesses have all been very supportive.

"Wait til you see the village on 17th March. Every business is on board and is putting up decorations," she said.

The parade will be led off by Trim Brass Band starting at 12.30pm from the Trim Road and will makes its way along the Main Street and finish up at the school.

Claire said so far they have 15 entries and the number is growing every week with many local groups and organisations taking part, including the local football clubs, Irish Dancing school, scouts, the preschools and the Vintage Car and Tractor Run as well as Coolronan Raceway.

"There is huge excitement. There are people stopping in on the street and asking me is this really going ahead. The road closure is in place, the barriers are ordered and we have a grant from the council.

"We have also got massive support from both of the pubs who will have music all day from trad sessions to DJs.

From 9pm to 11.30pm that night, there will also be a social dance with Matt Leavy in the community centre.

"The craic will be mighty. The whole place will be decorated and bunting throughout the village. It will be an amazing day for the village. We intend that this is just the start and every year it will be bigger."