Athboy parade marks its 40th anniversary

Hannah McNamara

It’s been 40 years since the first St Patrick’s Day parade was held in Athboy - March of 1984.

“It was a cold damp day that didn’t deter the hundreds of spectators who came along to enjoy the event,” recorded the 10th anniversary book on the history of the Athboy parades.

Dara Englishby, member of the Athboy St Patrick's Day Parade committee said: “Over the 40 years that have followed there have been many more cold damp days, there’s been sunny days, wet days, even an occasional snow flurry – but what remains consistent is the support from the locals who come every year, despite the weather.

“2024 will be no different. While committee members have come and gone over the years, and some sadly no longer with us, there has been some continuity.”

Micheal McDonagh will compère the parade this year like he has almost every parade since that first one back in 1984. The Grand Marshal of the parade will be the reigning Athboy Community Person of the Year, Madeline Bracken, and she will be joined on the review stand by a host of locals who have given to the community in the past year. Also making a return to Athboy to join in the parade is the current Blue Jean Country Queen for 2023, Niamh Sheehy from Kilkenny.

The Athboy Parade is one of the earliest to take place in the county, with a start time of 12.30pm. Participants gather at the town’s Fairgreen from 12pm. “The atmosphere is always one to behold – excited children, adults in ridiculous costumes, businesses proudly showing their wares, the noise of the marching bands warming up and Irish dancers practicing their steps,” said Dara.

Following its usual route, the parade will make its way up Bridge Street, continuing up Main Street to the reviewing stand in the centre of town. Navan Foresters Brass Band and K&S Marching Band will provide music along with Duncan the Piper. Among the participants will be Reel Deal Irish Dancers who will perform and Dunderry Fair will be there with a show of farm animals and a sample of Irish culture. With a vast number of community groups from Athboy and surrounding areas participating in the parade the committee promise there to be something to suit everyone’s taste.

In recent years the organisers have been giving a theme to participants as guidance and this year the theme is 'You CAN recycle, if you’ve got the BOTTLE'. “A very apt theme in the current climate,” said Dara.

The wish is that each float will incorporate this theme into their display – with the best overall float winning a cash prize of €300.

“There are plenty of materials that can be used in creating a colorful float,” chairperson Paudie Miggin said.

“Bottles, cans, old cd’s – the list is endless. On the day we want to see creativity, colour and entertainment, we want to put on a great show for our spectators while also getting an important message across.”

The committee is not only responsible for the parade itself but pride themselves on promoting community and the Irish culture. They are currently taking nominations for the 2024 Community Person of the Year, this will be announced at the prize giving ceremony on Saturday 23rd March in the Darnley Lodge Hotel. Also, to celebrate 'Seachtain na Gaeilge' the committee in conjunction with Conradh na Gaeilge are hosting a 'Chat & Comhrá' event, from 11am – 1pm on 2nd March in St James Hall, encouraging anyone to pop in and try speaking a 'cúpla focal' over a cuppa – this is a free event to attend.