Here come the parades — towns and villages go green

Villages and towns across North Galway are preparing to immerse themselves in a sea of green as the countdown starts for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Breaking the norms, the parade in Glenamaddy is going to be held a day before St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday, March 16.

The arrangement has been made in order to allow time for people who would be busy travelling in and out of the town to watch and take part in the parade, to enjoy a rest day on Monday.

The parade in Glenamaddy will start at 2pm on Sunday, March 16, from the community centre on Creggs Road. Starting with a kids’ Junior Tractor Run, the parade will showcase multiple floats from local community and business groups.

The first parade on Monday, March 17 takes to the streets in Mountbellew where the All-Ireland winning Kilkerrin-Clonberne Ladies team will lead the parade followed by around 30 community floats. The parade starts at 12 pm from the community centre on towards the Mart grounds.

Moving to Dunmore, the parade will start there at 12.30 pm, from the National School. It will see a tractor parade by children on their small tractors or tricycles leading the way and there are still calls out for local businesses and communities to register and take part in the colourful event.

Another family fun day is planned in Headford, where the roads will be closed to traffic from 12.30pm, with the parade passing through the town at 12.45pm.

As a recognition to the service provided to the community during Storm Eowyn, Moyne Villa Football Club, have been announced as the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade. A mini tractor run will also feature, while a performance of Irish Dancing on the square has been organised for 11 am.

Athenry St. Patrick’s Day parade will start at 11.30 am with the theme ‘Together we’re more than the sum of our parts’ to celebrate the United Nations’ International Year of Co-operatives.

In Abbeyknockmoy, efforts have been made to encourage younger people to get involved in organising the popular event. Marian Williams, a member of the organising committee said: “It’s been a struggle to get volunteers recently.

A few new people have joined the committee, but we still need more volunteers for crowd and traffic controls.”

Running for around 20 years now, Abbeyknockmoy St. Patrick’s Day parade often sees floats inspired from current events and country life. The parade starting at 2 pm will showcase the vibrant culture and heritage. Anyone who is still thinking about participating can get in touch with Tom Quirke on 087-2449361.

With a theme of ‘Health is better than Wealth’, organisers in Tuam are hoping to build on last year’s turnout. The theme aims to highlight the importance of being active, eating healthy and looking after one’s mental and physical health. It aims to recognise the amazing volunteers in the sporting, cultural and community organisations in the town for the invaluable work they do in promoting health and positive values for all.

“A lot of people have embraced the theme and there will be a lot of interesting floats in the parade this year,” said Cllr Shaun Cunniffe.

“It will be a great day for hospitality and local businesses as we are expecting more than 3,000 visitors on the day.”

Williamstown is proud to be hosting its very first St Patrick's Day Parade which begins at 1pm while a parade will also be held in Castleblakeney beginning at 1.30pm.

And last, but not the least, Clonberne parade will be held at 5 pm on Monday evening. Led by the All-Ireland winning Ladies football team, the parade will start from the church grounds.

There will be prizes for best station area or village, as calls are out for more floats to participate.

Traditional Irish musician Sharon Shannon will be the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Galway St. Patrick’s Day Parade which begins at 11.30am on Monday from University of Galway towards Eyre Square. Road closures will be in place from 11 am to 2 pm.

Don't miss our extensive coverage of local parades in Wednesday's Tuam Herald which will feature a special 12-page photograph special.