Rosenallis locals were delighted to attend the launch of this year's St Patrick's Day parade, with exciting street performances, cash prizes and more promised on the day.

The parade has previously been hailed as 'one of the best parades in Laois'.

This year, the Rosenallis parade will begin at an earlier time of 2:30pm, with plenty of festivities and music to bring the energy.

"For the first time, we will have street entertainment on the day," committee member Daniel McDonald told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: Rosenallis St Patrick's Day Committee and volunteers

"We also have a brand-new competition category: Best Dressed Dog. Local pet owners are encouraged to get creative and deck out their dogs in their finest emerald attire for a chance to win!" he said.

All attendees and participants are invited to the Rosenallis Community Centre for a warm reception. There will be tea and coffee, along with some delicious treats.

The committee will donate all contributions for refreshments in the Community Centre after the parade towards the Rosenallis National School VEX IQ World Robotics Championship in St Louis, Missouri.

Read Next: No child left behind: Laois school needs your help to fund US trip to world robotics final

"The Rosenallis Festival Committee is delighted and proud of Rosenallis National School children,"  Mr McDonald said.

"Their achievement to represent Ireland has brought the community together to get behind the children on the next leg of their journey.

"Rosenallis National School is a small rural school. 'Small and Rural' has never stopped the people of Rosenallis coming together to support each other and our schools," Mr McDonald praised.

Pictured: Rosenallis St Patrick's Day parade, 2025. Photo: Denis Byrne

At approximately 4:00 PM, the crowd will be treated to a special performance by the Dance on Stage School. 

The parade committee is calling on local clubs, schools, businesses, and vintage enthusiasts to get involved. This year features a competitive prize fund for floats, including €100 for the first place prize. The second place prize is a fantastic €75 in cash, and the third place prize is for €50.

"Vintage vehicle participants will also be honored with commemorative plaques for their contribution to the display," Mr McDonald explained.

To accommodate the new schedule, participants are asked to note that floats and vehicles are to assemble at Johnsgrove at 2pm.

Pictured: St Patrick launches this year's Rosenallis St Patrick's Day parade

Participants walking in the parade are advised to join the lineup at the Church of Ireland at 2:15pm.

The Rosenallis St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a community-funded event that relies on the generosity of donations from the parish, Laois County Council and local sponsors and the passion of its volunteers.

What's on: Laois gears up for big St Patrick's Day parade in Rathdowney

For more information or to enter a float, contact the committee at (085) 184 7390, (085) 209 0413 or email danmcd_cf@yahoo.com.

The committee is excited to present a day of fantastic celebrations this St Patrick's Day!