Hard work behind scenes pays off for Delvin’s big day
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Erin Healy, Mary Leech, with Olive Martin from Dunderry FairImage 2 of 30
Cllr Niall Gaffney, Mary Gaffney and John Gaffney.Image 3 of 30
Piper Duncan Coull from Bohermeen leading the parade.Image 4 of 30
Martin Lynch, Colm Walsh, Cllr David Jones, Hubert Moran and Frank Meredith.Image 5 of 30
The Gibsons – Sinead, Cian, Sam and Andrew.Image 6 of 30
Sophie Gaffney, Laura McAvoy, Dolores Gaffney, Anna Clune and Michael Clune set up a stall selling treats and bracelets.Image 7 of 30
Hannah, Fia and Saorlaith Murphy donned the green for the day out in Delvin on Sunday.Image 8 of 30
Justas Karys, Ilma Kairene, Adam Kairene, and their dog Luna at the Delvin parade on Sunday.Image 9 of 30
Sr Kathleen O’Connor, Sr Ann Devine and Frank Meredith.Image 10 of 30
Alex, Brooke and Sabrina Murphy.Image 11 of 30
The Delvin Friendship Club getting into the mood before the parade began.Image 12 of 30
Members of St Paul’s/Delvin Ladies Football Club.Image 13 of 30
The Samba Mammas from Drogheda getting set up for the parade.Image 14 of 30
Tina McGrane with Maddie and Aleska, part of Irish Retired Greyhound Trust.Image 15 of 30
Evi Dozsa, Eliza Buha, Isabel Farley, Leah Farley and Layla Dunne.Image 16 of 30
Delvin ready for the paradeImage 17 of 30
Duncan Coull, Bohermeen, led the parade.Image 18 of 30
Members of Delvin Scout Group.Image 19 of 30
Members of Delvin Camogie and Hurling Clubs.Image 20 of 30
Portarlington Concert Band added sound and colour to the day.Image 21 of 30
The Irish Retired Greyhound Trust.Image 22 of 30
Peadar Boyhan selling his free-range eggs.Image 23 of 30
A Morris Minor from the Eastern Vintage Club.Image 24 of 30
Mullingar Agricultural Show was in the Delvin parade.Image 25 of 30
O’Shaughnessy’s Bar won the best window display prize.Image 26 of 30
Larry the Leprechaun ahead of the Clover House Hotel float.Image 27 of 30
Samba MammasImage 28 of 30
Scurlogstown Olympiad in was present in Delvin on Sunday.Image 29 of 30
Niall Tully, Streete Vintage Club.Image 30 of 30
Delvin Hospice Homecare.Photos/article by Jayde G Forde
The much-anticipated annual parade kicked off with great excitement this year, as the Delvin community came together to celebrate St Patrick’s parade on Sunday (March 16).
Cllr David Jones, chairperson of the organising committee, said the dedication and collaboration of his colleagues were amazing. “A lot of work has gone in behind the scenes. We have a great committee where everyone takes on a role. No one comes with a problem without a solution, which is key to our success,” he said.
This year’s parade featured more 50 floats, and though an anticipated special guest appearance did not go to plan, the crowd were treated to a live performance by Comhaltas Castlepollard, ahead of the official start of the parade at 3pm.
Before it began, Cllr Jones, as MC, announced from the stage that there would be a minute of silence to honour the memory of those Delvin has lost over the past year.
“The parade committee hold a deep fondness for all participants throughout the years. We especially remember the three main participants who sadly passed away. They were tremendous supporters of the Delvin parade, and their absence leaves a significant void in our hearts and our celebration,” he said.
Piper Duncan Coull led the parade, and taking pride of place after him were grand marshal Sean McCormack and Cormac O’Neill as St Patrick. The perfect weather added to a vibrant parade filled with local participants and clubs such as Delvin Camogie and Hurling Club, Delvin Scouts and many more as again the strength of community collaboration and the joy of tradition.