Countdown under way to big parade
Bridie Maxwell and Frank Godfrey of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee at the photocall at St. Laurence's Gate ahead of the big event next week. Credit: Paul Connor
THE countdown has begun to Drogheda's 24th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade which will start at 12 noon sharp from the North Road via George's St., Fair St., Peter St., Shop St. and ending at North Quay.
Parade PRO. and founder-member Frank Godfrey said the Boyneside event is one of the biggest parades in the North-East with over 30,000 people turning out for a great family day, with all its colourful floats, marching bands and community organisations participating.
The launch took place in the d Hotel with Siobhan Woods from Beverage Business Solutions announcing the company's main sponsorship of the parade.
Mr Godfrey commended Beverage Business Solutions (CocaCola) on becoming the first major sponsor of the Drogheda parade.
This year's theme is 'Go Green For Drogheda' and the Grand Marshal is Oliver Murphy, founder-member of the Irish Wheelchair Association which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
Parade Director, Isobel Sanroma said: 'The Parade is about the community for the community' and she appealed to the business people of the town to fly the flag and decorate their windows.
'We would like to acknowledge some of our other sponsors, Drogheda Borough Council and Cassidy's Funfair,' pointing out it can cost up to € 20,000 to stage the parade, with some bands costing up to € 1,500.
Entry to the parade is just € 70. To obtain an entry form, contact Jayne O'Brien, Secretary on 087 7561518 or email: jayneobrien@gmail.com The final date for entry is 10th March. All floats and entrants must be at the starting point, the O'Raghallaigh ground on the North Road, by 10.30am
The 2010 Parade Committee is: Director, Isobel Sanroma; Chairperson, Anthony Lynch; Vice-Chairperson, Bridie Maxwell; Secretary, Jayne O'Brien; Joint Treasurers, Dessie Lynch and Marie Dunne; President and PRO, Frank Godfrey; Safety Officers, Alan Balfe and Anthony Lynch; Phil Conyngham and Liam Reay.
