There was a great turnout for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2015. The 70 plus entrants ensured that it far exceeded last year’s parade with a record number of floats entered and a record number of spectators watching. This year’s Grand Marshall, Stephen Kenny said “I consider it an honour to be asked, something I didn’t know but it’s one of the biggest parades in the country outside of the capital with 20,000 people last year and it was even bigger this year.”
All the entrants went above and beyond in their efforts of interpreting this year’s theme of “Myth’s Magic and Miracles”. We had some amazing floats, choreography and also great costumes which made it a very difficult decision for the judges to pick the winners in the following categories. Paul Hayes, artistic director of An Táin Arts Centre and Head of Judging Panel was greatly impressed by the standard of this year’s parade.
Winners
The Best Overall Parade Entry for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2015 was the Kilkerley Community for their combined efforts by the Kilkerley National School/ Kilkerley Brownies & Ladybirds. Ranking in second place was St. Mary’s College and in third was Simul Polonia Association.
The Best Shop Front display went to Leavy’s Opticians, Backhouse Pharmacy in second and Spirit of the Home in third.
There were great efforts from our dance troops showing off their wonderful routines during the parade in the Best Choreography category with third place being awarded to Dance Kids and Second to Funky Feet but Scoil Rince Mona Ní Rodaigh stole the show with their performance taking first place.
Best Musical Entry was awarded to the Dublin All Star Marching Band.
Best Commercial entry and one of our main sponsors for this year goes to Moffett Engineering who had a wide range of their equipment on display and went to great lengths to depict this year’s theme.
Best Services/Voluntary entry goes to the Dundalk Fire Service.
Best Community Group/Club was the Friary Youth Club and the Spirit of the Parade was awarded to Simul Polonia Association.
Well done and thanks to all participants. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a great way to celebrate and showcase what our community has to offer. It was a proud day for Dundalk. Tag your photos on our Parade Dundalk facebook page and like our facebook page at St. Patrick’s Day Dundalk to further promote the group or organisation you are involved with. We’d love to see and share your pictures.
Thanks to our two main sponsors, Moffett Engineering and Horseware Products Ltd and also to the Long Walk Shopping Centre for their support. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is supported by Louth County Council, Dundalk Chamber and Dundalk BIDS. Thanks also to all the companies and organisations for their continued support this year. We are looking forward to a bigger and better parade for 2016.
