Laois St Patrick's Day parade to go back to the future with Grand Marshall choice

JIMMY Conroy, the last living committee member for the first Mountrath St Patrick Parade, will act as Grand Marshall in honour of this year’s 50th anniversary parade in Mountrath.

As this year’s Grand Marshall, Jimmy Conroy will be driven in style by David Clegg in 1933 Singer 9 Tourer open top vintage car from St Fintan's GAA field through the town.

"To have Jimmy Conroy, a member of the original committee acting as Grand Marshall is fantastic, what could be a better way to celebrate our anniversary then honouring those that helped form it.’ Cllr James Kelly Chairperson of this year’s committee said.
The first Mountrath committee, comprised of members from the local F.C.A and Order of the Knights of Malta, including Christine Loughnane, Bob Stanley, Tom Doheny and Jimmy Conroy who is now known more as a competent bone setter and healer.

The parade committee, who Mr Conroy described as ‘very organised’ prepared and distributed booklets to all the businesses in the town in honour of the event.

The committee would go on to organise the first two parades in the town: with the parade then starting at the Vocational School on the Castletown Road and making its way through the town finishing at St Fintan’s Terrace.

In 1973 the parade was headed by the two Ballyroan Brass Bands, followed by the Mountrath Fire Brigade who still participate today. Also taking part were M/S Haques Fruit Importers, Irish Forest products, C. Breen Building Contractor, Cindy Factory, Telford Motors LTD, R. Phelan Land Reclamation, Peter Coss, Gallaghers, Tom Kelly from Ever Ready Ltd among others.

The 9th Battalion of the FCA Captained by F.Phelan presented arms on the day.

Mountrath not only celebrated having their very first parade in 1973, but Mountrath Golf Club would also go on to win the coveted Barton Cup bringing a huge boost to the town. Only Portlaoise held another parade in 1973 with eight marching bands taking part in the two parades from all over Ireland.

"When they organised the first parade, they expected a modest turnout being the very first one; however, they got off to a very successful start, as the vast majority of the local businesses and local groups took part; which only goes to show the importance of participating.’ Julie Bennett PRO said.

This year's 'Carnival' themed parade will start at 11.30am in the Square with live music, market, bouncing castles, face painting, street food and lots more! The parade is set to take place at 12.30am from St Fintans GAA field. Participants are asked to be ready in the field by midday to start the formation.

LABRAS, Dignity Partnership and members of Laois Africa will participate for the first time this year. Mountrath Scouts and Tiny Tots have also confirmed their participation promising a truly wonderful display!

Are you ready to samba? Laois town to celebrate Golden anniversary at carnival on St Patrick's Day

If you would like to perform, or take part please speak to Cllr James Kelly Chairperson or phone Julie Bennett PRO on 0852834412. 

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