Local legends helm Athy Patrick’s Day

A LOCAL legend who recently reached the age of 100 years will lead Athy’s St Patrick’s Day parade through the town on 17 March.

Athy Town Promoters has revealed the Grand Marshals for the highly anticipated 2025 parade, including Betty O’Donnell who ran The Gem on Duke Street in Athy for years.

Betty has spent most of her life in Athy, having first arrived there several years before the end of World War II to take over a business with her late husband Jimmy. The Gem was a local landmark; a popular newsagent, stationery and book shop.

In his ‘Eye on the Past’ column in the Kildare Nationalist, local historian Frank Taaffe recounted: “Always good natured, Betty managed over the decades to involve herself in the social and community life of the town.”

Betty’s name, he said, “is synonymous with that of ‘The Gem’”.

“Both are part of the living lore of a community which treasures not only those native to Athy, but the many who like Betty and myself came as strangers to live in the south Kildare town.”

Alongside Betty, the Ardscoil na Tríonóide senior team will also serve as Grand Marshals for this year’s parade.

The Athy school’s Senior Football Team had a historic run in the Brother Bosco Cup, reaching the final this year for the first time ever for the school.

The team have quality all over the field from a tight strong defence to a quick and versatile attack.

There are seven clubs represented on this school team. The players range from Athy, St Joseph’s, Castlemitchell, St. Laurence’s, Ballylinan, Barrowhouse and Rheban.

This year’s Patrick’s Day festivities will take place throughout the town on Monday 17 March at 3pm. The theme for 2025 is ‘Pulling Together,’ celebrating unity and community spirit.

Clubs, community groups, charities, sporting groups, tourism organisations, schools, businesses or even groups of friends with an idea for a float are urged to book their spot. Contact Patricia Berry on 086 8470232 or pberry@kildarecoco.ie or any member of Athy Town Promoters.