St Patrick arrives at Mullingar Harbour
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Children from Boher National School sang for the gathering as St Patrick arrived at Mullingar Harbour on Saturday evening.Image 6 of 14
Carol White and Olivia Coyne chatting to S. Patrick.Image 7 of 14
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Sarah, Trevor and Henry Ennis Lennon.Image 9 of 14
Cythera, Edgars and Sebastian Sanisikovs.Image 10 of 14
Anne Prendergast and Mark O’Hara on volunteer duty.Image 11 of 14
Gavin,Laura, Fionnuala and Saoirse Heap.Image 12 of 14
Julian and Dara Colton.Image 13 of 14
Ursula Keenan, Romy Sheahan, Alba Trigo Lyster, Elaine and Zalla Long, Emerald Lake Dancers.Image 14 of 14
The Clark family from Gaybrook Mullingar.St Patrick kicked off a weekend of events and festivities in style on Saturday when he arrived at Mullingar Harbour on a barge.
The patron saint, played by historian Bartle Darcy, entertained the 300-odd people at the harbour with tales of how St Patrick’s Day began and his journey to Ireland.
MC of the event Ray Dolan said it was "something new" the committee were trying out.
"We’re trying to bring back the idea of St Patrick himself, as it has changed a bit over the years," he said.
"So, this is something we’re trying on St Patrick’s Eve to do that – it’s a great way to kickstart the weekend.
"We have historian Bartle Darcy as our St Patrick this year and he has completely engulfed himself in it – though he is a bit of a scary St Patrick."
Ray said there was great entertainment at the harbour for his arrival. "We had the Boher National School from Streamstown in with us for the evening and they sang Hail Glorious St Patrick and Ireland’s Call and were fantastic," he said.
"We also had Ballynacargy Comhaltas as well and the parade grand marshal Joe Connaire, who treated us to a few tunes."
Ray thanked all who helped make the event a success. "We’ve had huge support from everyone in Mullingar," he said.
"Thankfully there have been some great people in business supporting us too, because this is an expensive festival to put on.
"I’d also like to give a shout-out to our friends on the team who were with us last year – we have the same team again with us this year with a few new additions, and they’re all fantastic."
Mullingar Canoe Polo Club were on hand for the evening as they escorted St Patrick along the Royal Canal to the harbour, where there was additional entertainment provided by jugglers, Irish dancers and a light display.