Mayor of Mallow, Cllr. Noel O Connor, and chairman of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, announced to day,that on 17th March this year, Saint Patrick’s Day, the Annual Parade takes place in the Town on that afternoon . Speaking to to the media Cllr. O Connor went on to say, ” I am delighted to announce that this years Parade in Mallow will be called the Saint Patrick’s Day ‘Gathering’ Parade. We are expecting that there will be a large number of groups and ‘floats’ participating in this year’s parade. The organising committee have decided that the theme of this years Parade is ‘The Gathering’. We are hoping that the participating groups will reflect this theme. ” Continuing Mayor O Connor, went on to say ” It is expected that there will be many visitors to Mallow for Saint Patrick’s Day Week End this year. I am sending out a special welcome to Mallow to all the sons and daughters of Mallow now living abroad to take up this offer to return to Mallow and come and celebrate their Mallow Heritage by being in Mallow for this Saint Patrick’s Day Parade ‘Gathering’ Parade in Mallow.A special reception for returning Mallow emigrants will be held in the Town Hall at 1.00 pm on Saint Patricks Day where a welcome home Special Visitors Book will be signed by those returning to visit Mallow on this week end to recognise their return. If those returning wish to participate in the Parade as a Group then the Committee will make arrangements for this. As Mayor of Mallow,I know that both my fellow Councillors are looking forward to meeting those emigrants returning to Mallow on this week-end . The fact that Saint Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year is a real encouragement for people intending to come home at this time because the Monday is a work day holiday in Ireland. In Mallow there will be informal ‘gatherings’ in the homes and restaraunts in Mallow after the Parade in Mallow” Secretary of the Organising Committee, Ms. Maire Ui Bhriain, said ” I am delighted that the Committee has already received confirmation from the Thomas Davis Pipe Band, who will lead the Parade, and also from the Blarney Brass and Reed Band. I am encouraging participating groups to adapt the floats to the Gathering Theme. It is important that groups intending to participate in the Parade should register by contacting myself at the Naoinre in Mallow or by phoning the chairman Cllr. O Connor at 087 2738222. We Look forward to a really fantastic Parade again this year. As usual all the schools in Mallow and in the surrounding areas of the town are welcome to participate.” Treasurer , Ms. Hanna Sheahan, thanked the sponsors of the Parade. She went on to say ” It is difficult times in our country. This parade is a great day out for the Family and in the last few years it has grown to be a Major event in the Town. I am particularly grateful, as treasurer, for the support of Mallow Town Council and the many many traders in the town who support theParade financially. Running the Parade is an expensive venture but with the help of the business people of the town it is possible to run this event . And the good news is that there will be prizes for the various categories of paricipating groups and once again John O Connor , Journalist and Broadcaster, will be the judge. So Mallow is the place to be on the afternoon of 17 th March ( parade starting at 2.30 pm) for the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade ‘Gathering’ Parade in Mallow.”
12th February, 2013