Newbridge plan another monster St Patrick's parade

Last year the parade took two hours to get past the viewing platform!
Newbridge plan another monster St Patrick's parade

Launch of The Saint Patricks Day Parade at The Keadeen Hotel Conor McCabe, Morgan McCabe, Teresa Harrison, Carl Murphy Chairman Mick Donohue, Cllr Noel Heavey and Myles Wickham Photo Jimmy Fullam

THE much-anticipated Newbridge St Patrick's Day Parade is set to return on Monday 17 March, promising an unforgettable day for the community following last year’s triumphant event.

With 55 incredible entries lined up this year, parade-goers can expect a visual feast of spectacular floats and captivating displays designed to entertain and inspire at one of the biggest parades in the country outside Dublin. 

Last year the parade took two hours to get past the viewing platform, and was watched by a staggering 15,000 spectators (75 per cent of the whole population of Newbridge). It had its organising committee come together as far back as November to begin to organise the 55 floats along the theme of ‘Celebrating Irish Music and Culture’.

“We are excited to witness the creativity of our community come alive in this vibrant celebration,” said parade PRO Morgan McCabe.

This year, organisers are happy to announce the continued special collaboration with the Curragh Racecourse during the St Patrick's Festival weekend. On Sunday, 16 March, there will be an exhilarating day of racing paired with the best of traditional Irish music. 

Local pubs will also join the festivities, organising traditional music evenings throughout the St Patrick's Festival weekend, allowing everyone to soak in the rich cultural ambiance. Shop fronts are a major part of the Festival with awards for the three best St Patricks Day window displays.

Morgan added: "The committee would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt condolences on the recent passing of Tony Donohue, a generous supporter of our parade, who donated the parade awards every year. His commitment to celebrating Newbridge and his contribution to our community will be greatly missed.

“We are delighted to bring this event to the community each year. Last year’s parade was a tremendous success, filled with music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere. We are eager to build on that momentum and create an even more memorable experience this year,” said Carl Murphy, chair of the committee.

 If you still wish to participate, please reach out to Carl at 087 6537847, or Morgan at 086 8128825. Organisers say the parade would not be possible without the support of Kildare County Council.

More in this section

Kildare Nationalist