Men’s Shed issue new appeal as deadline looms Blackrock to hold Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

The Dundalk St Patrick’s Day committee met on Tuesday, January 24 at 3pm to clarify some issues regarding the parade in the town for March 17 this year. At the time of going to press it was unclear if the parade would be cancelled for a fourth successive year with a final decision due to be made during yesterday’s meeting.

After last year’s 2022 St Patrick’s Day Parade was called off in Dundalk, the committee promised a “major event” for 2023.

In a statement issued in 2022 the voluntary group said that funding issues along with a short run-in time left them with no options.

The committee said: “Despite our best efforts, with numerous contacts and meetings held, due to budget constraints, as well as uncertainty around Covid 19 at the end of last year, we are unable to host a St Patrick’s Day event in Dundalk this year.

“however, we have lots of ideas and plans for next year, which we are already working on.

“We are going forward with plans that would mean a major event for people to enjoy in Dundalk next year. We look forward to building on the work we already have done.” however, the Blackrock Social Club committee is planning to hold a St Patrick’s Day parade on March 17.

“We are just over Christmas but the plan for the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Blackrock is in the pipeline,” said publican Kevin Soraghan.

The owner of Uncle Tom’s Cabin in Blackrock described the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Blackrock last year as a “massive success”.

“Last year made for a great day. It attracted plenty of people to the village. We had three days to plan it so it was very quick but we have a bit more time this year,” he said.

“We will have a local musical element and vintage tractors, vintage cars and lorries. Local community groups will also march in the parade.

“Rock Celtic FC, the Geraldine’s and Na Piarsaigh will take part, along with the three primary schools in the area.