Amazing spirit at Tallaght St Patrick’s Day parade
By Mary Dennehy
THOUSANDS lined the streets of Tallaght village last Sunday to celebrate and cheer on their hometown – with the sun also making a very special appearance.
Now in its second year, the revived St Patrick’s Day parade in Tallaght enjoyed a bigger response this year, with around 30 groups participating in the parade as it snaked through the village.
Collette, Freya, Ellie-Rose, Esme and Garreth enjoying the parade.
Alongside the parade committee, more than 20 volunteers signed up for the day alongside local gardai, the Red Cross, South Dublin County Council, Dublin Fire Brigade and local businesses.
The village parade was a serious annual highlight for anybody growing up in Tallaght in the eighties and nineties, with many having memories of taking part in the community event or bravely freezing on the sideline as they waved on participants.
While the revived parade takes a shorter route through the village – avoiding the Tallaght by-pass – the spirit, camaraderie and excitement of past parades was captured last Sunday as a whole new generation of Tallaght residents were given the chance to celebrate their community.
Speaking with The Echo after the event, Sharon Byrne, of the parade organising committee, said: “The community outdone itself this year.
“It was just so great to see everyone in the village, and to see the excitement on the faces of the kids both in the parade and those watching.
“All of the groups put so much effort into their performances, and there was lots of singing, cheering and chanting.
“Groups really upped their game this year and we’ve had lots of positive feedback so far.
“We had a lot more content this year and the weather was amazing, which played a part in it.
“The two pipe bands [St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band and West Lothian Pipe Band] were unreal, and hearing the drums coming along got everybody excited.
“The kiddies also loved the fire brigade and Civil Defence and the Irish dancing groups and local Farmer Donie Anderson with his sheep and sheepdog Jess.”
She added: “We were completely overwhelmed by the support received, and can’t thank everyone enough – including the people of Tallaght for coming out on the day.
“We also received a lot of support from local business, and we hope next year to get more businesses taking part in the parade.
“We are definitely on board for next year and in September will be putting the call-out for people to take part.”
The committee wished to thank South Dublin County Council, An Garda Siochana, The Echo newspaper, TU Dublin – Tallaght Campus, Dublin Bus and the Priory.
Turn to page 21 for an official ‘thank you’ from the parade committee to all supporters, with more pictures on pages 60 and 61.
See this week’s Echo Newspaper for an official ‘thank you’ from the parade committee to all supporters and pictures pages.
