Popular Garda Frank announced as Four Districts grand marshal
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A POPULAR community garda, who has been missed in the Rathcoole community as he has been dealing with an illness for the last 14 months, has been announced as the grand marshal at this year’s Four Districts St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Garda Frank Howe has been a familiar face in the area for many years as a community garda, where he regularly gave talks to local school children about topics such as road safety, and he also helped out at the 4 Districts St Patrick’s Day Parade on numerous occasions.
Garda Frank Howe is named grand marshall.
The well-liked man had to take a step back from his garda duties 14 months ago as a result of illness, and the festival organisers are delighted that he can take part in this year’s parade – where the theme is Fun and Laughter.
Sharon Redmond, one of the parade organisers, told The Echo: “Frank was our community garda for many years, but he hasn’t been around for a while.
“He’s always been a huge supporter of the parade – he was part of our parade committee for eight years.
“He was overwhelmed and delighted when we asked him to be the grand marshal.
“He’s a lovely man, he was always around the area and always willing to help.”
The parade organisers are also putting a call out for any pipers, pipe bands, clubs or businesses who would like to get involved in the parade, and the closing date for parade entries is March 7.
Interested parties can contact Sharon Redmond at 087 230 4248.
Ms Redmond added: “We’re really pushing to get more businesses and local groups to take part, and we want everyone to come out and support the parade.”
The parade, which kicks off at 2pm on March 17 and is comprised of groups from the communities of Rathcoole, Saggart, Brittas and Newcastle, will begin at Rathlawns in Rathcoole and go through Saggart Village before ending at St Mary’s GFC.
