Athy puts on best Patrick’s parade yet
Big crowds show up for Athy Parade Photos: Aisling Hyland
THIS year’s Patrick’s Day celebrations in Athy was one to remember, as locals remarked that it was the best and biggest parade the town has ever seen.
As soon as the horn sounded for the beginning of the parade, the sun came out. It was as if St Patrick himself ordered in the good weather.
Thousands lined the streets and were impressed by the fantastic floats and displays.
Star of the show was Bumblebee from Transformers who was there to spread the joy, as well as all the other wonderful floats, including the Darkness Into Light float, celebrating 10 years of the walk for mental health awareness in Athy, and appearances from St Brigid and St Patrick himself!
The crowd gave big cheers for this year's Grand Marshal Betty O’Donnell as she made her way down the street like royalty, putting the 'celeb' into 'celebration'. Betty was joined by Grand Marshals from the wonderful Ardscoil na Tríonóide senior team.
There was a flurry of children marching in the parade from Athy Town AFC, and appearances from The Civil Defense, Athy's fire fighters, the Gardaí, Tidy Towns, the Order of Malta and the many other clubs and businesses.
The viewing stand held local cllrs and even Minister Martin Heydon TD who was there to celebrate on the day, and members from the beloved Athy fitsticks group presented the crowd with a wonderful dance.
Athy Town Promoters' Patricia Berry said: “I have never seen such a crowd. It was absolutely fantastic. It’s memories that everyone brings home with them!”
