Meathwoman's Diary: Umbrella the new symbol of St Patrick’s Day?

Over the sound of frothing milk the Navan Shamrock Festival and Parade got underway on a wet and windy Friday. Working in one of the only coffee shops open on the festive holiday, I watched the parade make its way through the puddles as the rain tipped down on Market Square. Despite the weather’s best efforts it didn’t seem to stop the people of Navan from celebrating. Green hoods peeked from North Face jackets. Brimmed shamrock hats kept the face dry and the vision clear. Some even chose to brave the weather by showing off their Paddy’s Day colours in a t-shirt and shorts. Irish flags waved from cars and buggies as well as buildings, festooning the streets of Navan in orange, white and green. However it was hard to keep focus on the parade’s festivities through the sea of umbrellas.

With Ireland’s love of rain world renowned, perhaps the umbrella should be up there with the shamrock and the leprechaun as part of the essential Paddy’s Day kit. Some of them did at least look the part, bearing national colours or mini shamrocks. However, the struggles of watching the parade while trying to avoid getting an umbrella spoke to the eye looked very real.

But it wasn’t just the nation’s colours that were hoisted that day. Many showed their support for Ukraine, with the occasional Ukrainian flag wrapped around the shoulders of an onlooker, standing side by side with that of an Irish flag in the downpour.

Dressed like a leprechaun, according to my regulars, I was grateful to be warm and dry as I served coffee from inside. While americanos and hot chocolates seemed to be the day’s go-to, I think the drenched customers were just happy to get their hands on something hot.

Every colour of the rainbow was seen as Pride flags advertised Navan's upcoming festival, to be held this June. Peace and solidarity were also plugged by the Cultúr Migrants centre as they carried banners with the hashtag #strongertogether.

From vintage cars to sporty four-wheel drives revving their engines, the parade made its way from Enterprise Centre down through Market Square. High-spirited sporting clubs and bands included Simonstown Gaels, Kentstown and Seneschalstown Accordion Band and the Navan Arch Club who all received a great reception.

The parade also had it’s edgier contributions. Resistance to the downgrade of Navan Hospital’s A&E Dept in the form of a float featuring a ‘patient’ in a hospital bed drew great applause.

Ironically the rain eased as the parade came to an end. It’s a pity the forecast was wrong, considering the time and effort all participants and sponsors put in to make 2023’s Shamrock Festival a joyous occasion. But after four years since the last outing, it was nice to see the people of Navan come together in emerald green to celebrate the annual holiday, even if it was a wet and wild one.