Brazilian Ambassador to attend Laois town's 50th St Patrick's Day Parade

The Brazilian Ambassador H.E. Mr Marcel Biato, is to attend this year’s St Patrick Parade in Mountrath in celebration of their 50th anniversary of the parade.

‘We are delighted to have the Brazilian Ambassador H.E. Mr Marcel Biato attend our parade in Mountrath in celebration of our 50-year anniversary this year. LABRAS the Laois Brazilian Support Association are as thrilled as we all are. It''s a huge honour for our town to welcome the Ambassador on our national day and we hope to showcase the very best of what we have to offer.’ Cllr James Kelly Chairperson said.

This year’s parade in Mountrath will start with a bang, with live music and entertainment in the Square from the slightly earlier time of 11.15am.

'The ‘Lynam School of Dancing’ are up first, promising a wonderful display of reels and jigs. The dancers are from the local classes in Mountrath, Camross and Borris and we can’t wait to see what they can do. We hope to see everyone out there to support them.'

Julie Bennett PRO said. Deliverance and Brian & Figs will provide music on the day; with a spectacular performance by Ciara and Jean from the award winning ‘Lord of the Dance’ planned for after the parade.

Jimmy Conroy, the last living committee member of the first Mountrath St Patrick Parade, will lead as Grand Marshall in honour of the 50th anniversary. As Grand Marshall, Jimmy will be paraded through the town from St Fintan’s GAA field in an open car driven by David Clegg.

“We are thrilled to have Jimmy Conroy, a member of the original committee acting as Grand Marshall, what could be a better way to celebrate our 50th anniversary then by honouring one of the very people who helped form our parade.’ Cllr James Kelly added.

The Square will be filled with activity, with free bouncing castles and free face painting. Shona Wax melts, Art by Mary, Slieve Bloom Creations and more will be at the parade with a range of different products including sweet treats, soft toys, books, and art. Children’s author Donna Marie Mills, will also be at the parade singing copies of her children’s book ‘What Can I do’.

Parade goers can also indulge, with a cone from the ice cream truck; or a tasty taco or burrito from El Feugo a brand-new local business specialising in Mexican food.

"We have done all we can to make this year’s parade the best it can be. Now it's up to you! We are calling out to all local businesses, clubs, and groups to enter a float and help us put this year’s parade in the record books. We want to show the Brazilian Ambassador just what our little community is capable off," Julie added. 

The parade organisers anticipate a big parade this year, with high volume of participants already confirmed to take part. "We are delighted that so many have confirmed already, everyone is really going the extra mile in honour of our 50th anniversary,"Cllr Kelly said. 

Mountrath Scouts, Camross GAA, St Fintan's GAA, Mountrath Bikers Shed, Mountrath Golf Club are among those confirmed to participate. "We are asking anyone with a float or truck to be in the GAA field by 11.30am so we can ensure that the parade starts on time. The parade would not go ahead without the hard-working committee we have in place or those who will be assistance on the day. A big thank you to Laois County Council and all the business who have sponsored us without sponsorship it wouldn't be possible to hold our parade. Weather permitting, we all hope for a great day full of joy and laughter and one that we will all remember,” Cllr Kelly added.