Kilcock parade pioneer steps down after 37 years service
Image 1 of 4
Outgoing chairperson, Michael Minogue who steps down after 37 years, pictured with committee members, Elaine Cummins and Rachael Taylor. David MullenImage 2 of 4
At the St Patrick’s Day Parade launch in Kilcock were Pat Linanne and outgoing chairperson, Michael Minogue. David MullenImage 3 of 4
At the St Patrick’s Day Parade Launch at Kilcock GAA were u-20 All Ireland winning Kildare team members Shane Farrell and Mark Gibbons pictured with Peter Divilly and the u-20 Spencer Cup & the All Ireland u-20 cup PhotoS: David Mullen. David MullenImage 4 of 4
The Kilcock rSt Patricks Da Parade committee pictured at the launch of this year’s parade Back Row: (from left) Liam Doyle, Pat Linanne, Tony O’Brien; Front Row, Gary O’Brien, Rachel Taylor, Peter Divilly, Elaine Cummins and Brendan MackenPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net David MullenAfter 37 years at the helm of the Kilcock St Patrick’s Day parade committee, Michael Minogue has stepped down as chairman this year.
Michael gave many years of service over four decades to the role and hands over the reins to new chairman, Peter Divilly.
Michael was a special guest at the launch of this year's parade held in the local GAA centre on Monday of last week.
“This is the first year since 1987 that Michael Minogue will not be in the chairman’s seat to oversee the organising of all facets of the parade and in acknowledging that loyalty and hard work down the years, we have invited Michael and his wife Eithne to be our Special Guest of Honor this year,” said new chairman, Peter Divilly.
“This year’s parade also affords the committee an opportunity to say congratulations and well done to four other people in the parish who have achieved their dreams in their respective sports and they are our special guests also.”
They are Ciaran Kilduff, Manager of Athlone Town Ladies Soccer Team FAI Winners 2024; Aoife Rattigan, Cappagh GAA, who was on the Kildare team that won the All Ireland Intermediate championship; and Mark Gibbons and Shane Farrell of Kilcock GAA, who were both on the Kildare team that won the All-Ireland under-20 football championship.
Mark Gibbons is also a grandson of Mick and Maureen Duffy of Rath Hill, Dunshaughlin.
Unfortunately Aoife was unable to attend the launch as she was due to line out for Kildare against Tyrone.
“Our young people need role models and these high achievers have done their families and their communities a great service by their hard work and dedication to their individual sports and the St Patrick’s Day Parade committee are delighted to mark those achievements and thank them for their support in the parade,” said Peter.
He outlined that this year St Patrick’s Day parade will cost in the region of €8,000 to €10,000 to stage in a safe way and the committee would like to recognise the contributions of all the businesses, contributors and volunteers who make the parade a reality every year. The committee would also like to acknowledge the contribution and co-operation of Kildare County Council each year.
Along with the viewing stand located in the Square, there will also be a wheelchair area located at the front of the viewing stand. This year, there will also be a quiet area for those who wish to avail of it at the front of Scoil Dara where parade participants are aksed to pause the noise so that everyone can enjoy the parade.
There will be many trophies and prizes for the float entries in the parade which will be judged by a panel of three judges.
The results and prize giving will take place on Saturday, 23rd March in Kilcock GAA, Branganstown, at 9 pm.