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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Paul McMahon, Paul's Barber Shop receives his award for Best Shop Window Display at Portarlington St Patrick's Day Parade from committee member Mark Gavin at an awards day at Ed's Diner. Pic: M Scully
The first St Patrick's Day parade in seven years took place in a big Laois town in March 2025, and the rejuvenated committee are looking forward to 2026 already.
The theme for Portarlington parade was snakes, and it had a unique twist of being a quiet, eco friendly walking parade with no big commercial vehicles. See pictures of the parade here.
The feedback is so good that they plan the same and more for 2025, committee member Sharon Dunne told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
She spoke following their awards night at Ed's Diner held on Friday, March 16, where Portarlington Concert Band won best entry, and Paul's Barber Shop the best shopfront award.
Nelson Ajisafe (Portarlington Concert Band drummer) accepting the award for Best entry at St Patricks Day Parade, from Committee member Mark Gavin. Photo: Michael Scully.
“There was a great buzz on the town, the feedback was great, everyone seems happy.
“We had marching bands, dancers, and the Ukrainian band, Port Art Collective and Portarlington Women's Shed all came on board.
“Next we we will try to make it even more colourful, with a theme of Carnival," Sharon said.
Members of Portarlington Concert Band with their Award and St Patrick, at the Portarlington St Patrick's Day Parade Committee Awards event at Ed's Diner. Photo: Michael Scully.
“This September we plan to visit the Transition Year students and ask them to make floats, to try and get more people involved.
“We want to give a huge thanks to all the committee and volunteers, all the businesses who sponsored it, and all who took part and came to watch. Only for them all it wouldn't have been possible. Onwards and upwards now,” Sharon said.
Portarlington St Patrick's Day Parade Committee Awards event at Ed's Diner: Committee members - Jennifer Rennick, Niall Donagher, Sharon Dunne, John Mc Gettrick, Sylvia Horan and Mark Gavin. Photo: Michael Scully.
Read also: Plans for huge Laois solar farm near Emo placed on hold
She also thanked Eds Diner for their continued support, which included refreshments for the awards night.
For queries email stpatricksdayportarlington@gmail.com or see their Facebook page.
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