25 groups register to take part in parade
By Maurice Garvey
UP TO 25 groups have registered to take part in the Clondalkin St Patrick’s Day parade, but organisers are encouraging more to join up for the festivities on March 17.
Festival organiser and Clondalkin councillor Francis Timmons, has appealed for volunteers to help out with the celebrations.
Clondalkin Youth Band at the parade last year.
Organisers are also looking for people who may have spare costumes they can donate for volunteers to wear at the village parade.
Cllr Timmons said: “After months of planning, we are delighted with the response so far. We have 25 groups and it is great to see so many returning year on year but we would still like more to register to participate in the parade and we need volunteers to help out on the day. This will be the fifth parade since 2014, and we are delighted that events like this showcase all that is good and positive about Clondalkin.
“This year, following in the footsteps of Mary Kennedy, Colm Gavin and Mary Dardis, we have not one but two Grand Marshalls in Gemma and Philip Carr, who the public voted as their top choice. The Carrs represent everything that is great about Clondalkin.
“We are looking for anyone who would donate costumes for people to dress up in and give out lollies on the day and we need volunteers to dress up as well. This year we will have a fun fair in Tuthils car park and the gunpowder carpark. This will enable the funfair have rides for teenagers which will add to the fun.”
Festival organisers are working with Clondalkin Garda Station, South Dublin County Volunteer Centre and Clondalkin Tidy Towns to provide a safe family friendly day for the community.
The festival starts at 2.30pm on Sunday, March 17, at the stage area at Tuthills car park.
For the road traffic plan and a list of parade participants visit clondalkinfestival.ie
