Mallow goes Green for Saint Patrick's Day

With less than three weeks to go to St. Patrick's Day the Mallow Parade Committee officially launched their plans this week. This is Mallow Parade number thirty two.

Mallow will be in a festive mood on Saint Patrick's Day when the annual Parade proceeds down Davis Street with much colour and spectacle. The Committee have been working with great enthusiasm to make sure that this year's Mallow Parade will be a one to remember. The emphasis will be on getting participants to embrace the 'GREEN' theme of this year's parade and reflect the need for all of us in Mallow, and indeed in the world over, that it's time to take action on climate change.

This years Mallow Saint Patrick's Parade Grand Marshall is Sharon Cregg. Sharon has been in business in Mallow for the last twenty one years. She successfully runs her own award winning business, the Park West Flower Shop in Mallow Town. To add to her busy life Sharon is now the President of Mallow Chamber of Commerce. Speaking to the press at the launch of the parade Sharon said " Through working together local businesses and enterprises of all sizes can play a significant contribution to unlocking the enormous commercial potential that exists in Mallow town and it's environs. It is indeed a great honour for me to be this year's Mallow Saint Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshall. I am so looking forward to walking at the head of the Parade on the 17th March".

Continuing Sharon went on to say "I am really looking forward to turning the corner of the Town Park and to facing down Thomas Davis Street at 2.30 pm on the 17th. I was really stunned when asked to take this roll but I replied that I would be delighted and that it is great that my 21 years in the flower business in the town is recognised in this way. I have made enquiries and I see that I am following on from a long list of Grand Marshalls, including Michael O Neill, Hanna Sheehan, Stephen Murphy (Mallow Star), Eugene Cosgrove (The Corkman), Guy Arnoud (Treguier, Brittanny) and Randy Tietz (Tinley Park, Illinois). I am pleased that previous Grand Marshalls Liam Sheehan and Jerry Mullane have indicated that they will give me some tips about doing this great job."

This year the Committee has decided to honour the great achievements of two young athletes in the United States of America in recent times. Both these handballers travelled to the USA to take part in Handball World Championship Competitions. Cian O Driscoll and Conor Walsh won the Gold Medals in the Junior ( under 19 yrs. ) 4-Ball Doubles Competition there. Cian also won the Silver Medal in the Singles Junior 4-Ball Championship. To honour these great achievements the Committee have invited Cian and Conor to participate in a very special way in this year's parade. The two young Handballers will walk on either side of the of the Grand Marshall and carry their Gold Medals so that the town can see these and acknowledge the wonderful achievement of these boys.

Also on hand at the Parade Launch was Michael O Donovan. Michael has acted as MC for the Parade for well over 21 years now. Speaking to the press Michael said " The 17th March each year is always a memorable one for me. The Committee do their best to keep me informed of which group is coming next but inevitably there is much impromptu remarks to be made and I think those lining the Streets of Mallow enjoy my humorous comments. Once the Parade has passed and the Results have been announced I get the job of singing the National Anthem. I will be enlisting the help of some young people in Mallow to support me in the singing of this. This singing of Amhran na bhFiann is a magical moment for me and all the good things about our Town and our Country come into mind. Hannah Sheahan and Mairie Ui Bhriain have reminded me to ask groups that intend to participate and have not registered, they should do so as soon as possible."

The theme of this year's Parade is 'Team Green is the Green Theme'. It is only fitting that this is our theme for this year as we continue locally to develop a strong community spirit while at the same time making strides to provide a better infrastructure so as to make this a reality .

The Parade assembles in Mallow Town Park between 1.30pm and the start time of the Parade at 2.30pm. On stage, outside St. Mary's Church from 1.45pm onward, Cuisle Avondhu will provide pre-Parade entertainment.

Intending participants in this year's Parade in Mallow should make contact with either Mairie Ui Bhriain in the Naoinire in the Mallow GAA Complex, or with Noel O Connor at 087 2738222.