Mullingar will celebrate town’s sporting heritage

Mullingar Harriers president and founder member Bobbie Begley is the grand marshal at this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Mullingar.

The theme is ‘Celebrating Mullingar’s Sporting Heritage’, so with Mullingar Harriers celebrating its 50th anniversary and Bobbie’s contribution to the development of generations of young athletes, it is fitting that he has been awarded the distinction of leading the parade.

Bobbie said he is “honoured” to be this year’s grand marshal. “I was delighted to be asked, especially on the 50th anniversary of the founding of Mullingar Harriers.”

A native of Lismore in County Waterford, Bobbie and his family moved to Mullingar in the 1970s when he became the manager of the Penn factory. He was a founder member of Mullingar Harriers in December 1975 and has been an ever present at the club since.

In the mid-70s he coached the Westmeath senior hurling team to the All Ireland B Championship. The captain of the team was Mickey Fagan, father of Martin, one of Mullingar Harriers’ two Olympians.

In the 1980s, Bobbie opened a sports shop that attracted athletes from across the midlands as much for the chat as for the gear.

The St Patrick’s Day festivities kick off on Friday night with a Thirty Plus Vat club night in the Annebrook House Hotel. On Sunday, music fans will be able to follow the ‘Trad Trail’ in pubs between the Green Bridge and the Dublin Bridge.

While not officially part of the St Patrick’s Day Festival, the Aon Mullingar Half Marathon will attract some 1,500 runners from across the region for one of the most popular events in the local sporting calendar.

This year’s parade starts at 3pm and sporting groups, businesses and other organisations have already confirmed their participation. In addition to the parade, there will be bouncy castles and children’s entertainment on Church Street, and music at the Market Square.

Seamus Dunne (PRO) said three things ensure a parade is successful: sponsors, volunteers, and floats.

“The parade could not happen without the generous support of local businesses. The 2024 parade cost in excess of €27,000 and while we are a grateful recipient of a Westmeath County Council Festival and Event grant, that only covers a fraction of that cost.

“We know that businesses are going through a hard enough time with increased costs, but we would really appreciate a few euro from pubs and other businesses around the town.

“Of course, volunteers have always been at the heart of all of the great events in Mullingar and the parade is no different. We need people on the day, doing duties from manning road closures to sensory area support.

“We need volunteers and sponsorship, but you can’t have a parade if you don’t have floats. We had a record 63 floats last year and hope to have similar numbers again.

"With our sporting theme, we hope to have as many clubs or sporting oriented floats as possible, but any float is welcome.

"We are looking forward to celebrating our national day and showcasing Mullingar for all it has to offer. We would love to see as many people as possible take part this year.”

• For more information or to volunteer on the day, go to mullingarstpatricksdayfestival.com.