Communities set to paint the town green on St Patrick’s Day
ST PATRICK’S Day 2024 promises to be an extravaganza of green, marching parades and good fun in South Dublin County.
Three parades in the Dublin West area are the Four Districts parade, Lucan parade and Clondalkin parade. Details of times and locations of local parades here.
Pete (Peter) “the builder” Finn of RTÉ’s Home Rescue will be the Grand Marshall for the Four Districts parade.
“‘My favourite book’ is the theme for this year’s parade. It is community and local based with youth clubs, scouts, schools, GAA and soccer involved,” said Sharon Redmond, organiser of the Four Districts Parade.
A colour party led by retired servicemen from Roger Casement Aerodrome as well as, for the first time, the Tallaght marching band, will take part in the parade
A Ukrainian dance group called Mriya will also participate in the parade. Mriya, which means a “dream” in Ukrainian was established in 2022 and are being hosted by the Citywest hotel. The participants are aged five to sixteen years old and their performances include classical choreography, folk dance, contemporary dance and acrobatics. The group have a dream, to remind all of us that through art and creativity we can overcome differences and create connections that go beyond boundaries.
The best viewing routes for the parade are between the two roundabouts at Avoca and up towards Millrace going into Saggart village, according to Sharon.
Volunteers Christy McDonnell and Shay Reilly have erected 160 flags on the 1.5 km parade route. “Thanks for the support from South Dublin County Council and Tower Credit Union,” added Sharon.
The Clondalkin Parade also promises to be a family friendly day and one for all the community with the Grand Marshall being Dublin Ladies star Hannah Tyrell.
Pete ‘the builder’ Finn in the Grand Marshal at the Four-Districts parade
There are several viewing areas for this parade. Sensory street is the designated area for children with additional needs and will be located in Qs carpark and the Round Tower Visitor centre and there is also a sensory bus available.
“We also have a wheelchair section outside the council office. People with buggies, prams and walkers are advised to line up on Orchard Road as there’s more space there,” said Councillor Francis Timmons, parade chairperson.
Other updates include live music from 1.30pm provided by the RAMS in Rhythm and the MC will be DJ Joey Howe. Also various superheroes and characters will walk around giving out lollies and sweets and blowing bubbles from 2 pm and there will be a K & G Funfair at Tuthils.
Many local people and groups are taking part in the parade including St Patrick (Ed Murphy), Tinseltown Stage School, Bluebell Knocmkitten United FC, Clondalkin Youth Band St Joseph’s and Clondalkin Pipe Band.
The Lucan Parade also promises to be a family day out with activities for all the family to enjoy.
Dublin Senior and Lucan Sarsfield’s GAA goalkeeper and All-Star Abby Shiels will be the Parade Marshall and will travel in the vintage Barberstown Castle car.
Participants in the parade include the 23rd and 180th Lucan Scouts, the 142nd Esker Lucan South Scouts, Dew Drop Indian Drum Band, Little Blue Heroes, St. Patrick (Ronan Smith), Finglas Concert Marching Band and Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Ireland.
Also the Lucan Concert Band will be performing at Spar, Dodsboro from 2 pm to 3pm and St James Brass and Reed will be performing at the AIB gate from 2pm. Furthermore there will be free face painters, clowns and balloon artists at Bank of Ireland in the village from 2pm.
Parade organisers are also looking for assistance in stewarding at the parade.
“We need your help to steward the parade on St. Patrick’s Day. Please contact Caroline Brady on (085) 2551602, if you would like to volunteer,” said Lucan St Patrick’s parade.
