Ballybay Monaghan Ireland

This year marks the 32nd annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballybay (with the exception of 2001 due to foot and mouth). The parade begins opposite Gerry Traynor’s shop at the Carrickmacross end of O Duffy Terrace. The parade will begin at 5pm. The organising committee request that all participants please be at the Carrickmacross Road prior to 4-50pm. This enables stewards and the gardai to start the parade on time.

Aughnamullen Pipe Band will lead the parade as they have done so every year to date. This year promises to be a great event with many community, business and vintage participants taking part. Among the community groups are Ballybay Community Creche who are celebrating their 10th year in operation. They have a fantastic window display next door to Pat O Briens. Also taking part are Balllybay Drama Society after last year’s success. They are now getting ready for the play Professor Tim in the Pearse Brothers Centre on 22nd, 23rd and 24th March. Watch out for a classy preview of the day during the parade.

This year there will be cash prizes of €150, €100 and €50 awarded for the best entrants. The committee are very grateful to the local shops and pubs for their kind contributions again this year.

Part of the parade activities include a window display competition for local groups and businesses. Ballybay-Clones Municipal District are awarding €100 to the best display using the Irish language. As usual an exceptional high standard is emerging as we get closer to St. Patrick’s Day. The organising committee are very grateful to Corcaghan Co-Op owners of Ballybay Mart for facilitating the parade by closing the mart earlier. We also hope to thank the Irish Rugby team for their contribution to the days events!!!
Finally, could people please put their bunting and flags out to help celebrate our Patron Saint’s Day.