Thousands turn for out St Patrick’s Parade in Newbridge

Approximately three-quarters of the town’s population lined the streets of Newbridge to enjoy the largest St Patrick’s Day parade outside of Dublin.

“15,000 people in the town yesterday! Would you believe it?” said chair of the organising committee Carl Murphy.

“We had 1,550 barriers lining the roads in town, it was exhilarating! Best we’ve ever had.”

It took two and a quarter hours for all 70 floats to pass the reviewing platform which was graced by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon TD, and Mayor of the local municipal district cllr Peggy O’Dwyer.

“We had 70 floats in total, and we were only expecting 60,” said Carl.

"Five years ago setting up in the Keadeen (Hotel) we had only 37 floats and it has now doubled in numbers. We’ll be having our awards presentation night in Judge Roy Bean’s in a couple of weeks. We’re having our wrap-up meeting on Friday night, and will decide on award night then.”

Carl continued: “This is a local thing, for the community, and everybody had a great day ... Ah jayney, even the weather was fabulous!”

There was a lot of work by a host of volunteers to make the day the success it was.

“I was on the town from 6am, and I feel like a bus hit me today!” 

“But we had great sport, absolutely great, and we took enormous pleasure in seeing all the kids enjoying it. We had great workers, and they worked together like a well-oiled chain. It was overwhelming the response and support we got.”