The turnout for the prizegiving of the North Westmeath St Patrick’s Day parade is evidence of the good work the organisers are doing, said one of the organisers.
Donie Cassidy, who has been president of the committee for the last two years, said this year’s was “the biggest presentation we’ve ever had”.
Almost 250 people, “representing all sorts of organisations, schools, hurling clubs, all those who participated in the parade on St Patrick’s Day” were present at the Castle Varagh Hotel on Sunday week last for the handover of the prizes and the social evening that accompanied that.
“It really was very uplifting and certainly gives us a lot of confidence for next year,” Mr Cassidy told the Westmeath Examiner at the event.
“For a rural community like north Westmeath, the St Patrick’s Day parade is an important event in our calendar. This year was exceptional, and thank the Lord for the lovely fine day – and it’s a lovely fine day again today for the presentation of prizes.”
He expressed gratitude on behalf of the organising committee “to all who won prizes, thank you for participating and we look forward to everyone being here again, please God, in 2024”.
“I would also like to thank our sponsors big and small, who gave us from €50 up. We are deeply indebted to them, to Westmeath County Council, Mergon, North Midlands Credit Union, and all the business people of the area. If we don’t have your sponsorship, we don’t have a parade, so a million thanks.”
Octavia Tulloch and Sean Montgomery collected the award for best window on behalf of Barry's Pharmacy
Multy Stoves won the special category and best business awards.
The best novelty act went to Rising Stars Performing Arts Academy.
Sharon Hardman, Cillian Hardman, Marion Davis and Johnny Hardman from Ringtown GAA collected the award for best club
The funniest float award went to Joy Kennedy, Louis Chambers and Lily Chambers from Aura Hair Specialist.
The Devine Brothers, Josh and Chad, won the most topical award.
Aine O'Reilly, Tracy Birney, Amy Carney, Aisling Leonard, Sarah Bardon and Anne Molloy from St Michael's NS won the best school project award.
The best envoirnmental float went to Castlepollard Tidy Towns. Back: Carol Hayden, Mia Hayden, Carine Hayden and Joe Murphy. Front: Paula Lawlor, Kathleen Doran and Dympna Farrelly.
Fiona Bardon and Molly Cleary collected best vintage on behalf of Oliver Flanagan.
The second prize float was picked up by Catherine Loftus, Cody Ward, Luke Ward, Joe Ward, Rebecca Ward and Jessy Ward from the Wild Westmeath Dream Bicycle and Skate Park.
The best overall float prize was presentad to John Bonham, Colin Webster, Ian Fivey and Alan Charles from Mule and Donkey Society.
Max Smith from Castlepollard Mens Shed collected the third place award from Karen Gaffney from the North Midlands Credit Union.
