Today I want to bring back memories. And show my photos and videos from Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Carlow in 2015 – 2019.
Because today is Saint Patrick`s Day. Unfortunately, St Patrick’s Day parades across the country have been canceled.
St. Patrick’s Day parades around the world were not be taking place in 2020. It is amid public health concerns over the coronavirus Covid-19. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Carlow has been canceled on 9th March.
Every year I participated in the parade in Carlow Town. So, today I want to bring back memories. And show my photos and videos from Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Carlow in 2015 – 2019. Here are 5 years of memories.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Carlow 2019
The Parade commenced 17th of March at 4 o’clock, as planned. From the same starting point as in previous years, the Old Perry’s Cash & Carry premises near Carlow Post Office. Some of those who took part are arriving from earlier parades around the county. The Parade traveled up Kennedy Avenue and turned left onto Potato Market. Next, left onto Tullow Street before turning right onto Dublin Street at the Sue Ryder Shop. Then, left onto Centaur Street to Hay Market where the festival took place from 12 pm -6 pm. Approx. 1,500 people were to attend.
I don`t have photos from the Parade in 2019. I made only a short video because I did not recharge my camera on time.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Carlow 2018
In 2018 parade was the “frostiest parade”. It was really cold, the temperature around 3 degrees Celsius, which is very low for March and Ireland. Moreover, that same evening, it was snowing all over County Carlow. But, the parade began as planned, at 15.30. Started at Old Perry’s Cash and Carry on Kennedy Street. Then, passed through Kennedy Ave. And ended with a family day of fun at Potato Market, in the center of Carlow Town. It gathered a lot of participants and spectators. A large screen was also available on the Potato Market to watch the rugby match in Ireland and England.
Every year at the Carlow Parade, were local schools, sports clubs, social organizations, and local entrepreneurs. Also, dance groups, associations, and communities presented themselves in their colors. There was also a group representing Poles living here (Equal Chances Polish School). Also, three local orchestras took part in the march: Carlow Pipe Band, Killeshin Pipe Band, and Presentation School Band. It’s hard to imagine a parade without these bands.
In addition, this year’s Parade was attended by a group of about 30 athletes. Coaches, and leaders of local Special Olympics Games (Grand Marshall 2018). As special guests in the Parade were: Bavarian band – Bavarian Brass Band and Acrobats from Dublin Circus Project. Moreover, that year it was not only a walking parade. There were also platforms and antique cars that aroused great interest. Jaguars, Cadillacs, Chevrolets, Rolls Royce, Mustangs, Mercedes … from Carlow Vintage and Classic Motor Club presented on St. Patrick’s Day.
Interesting facts:
The Disney platform commemorates Carlow’s strong ties with Walt Disney. Walt Disney’s ancestors come from Carlow County. So, the platform appeared for the second time at the Carlow Parade. This year it was selected and won the competition for the best platform. Platform also appeared on Ray Darcy Show on RTE 1 TV. Among twenty other top platforms selected from all over Ireland. Deservedly, the platform with Walt Disney received first place in the competition for the best performance at the Carlow Parade. Second place is the Bavarian band – Bavarian Brass Band. Third place went to the Involvement Center group (characters from Alice in Wonderland). All winners were selected by three independent judges on the same day. The Polish group Equal Chances Polish School received a special Community Award, sponsored by Senator Jennifer Murnane.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Carlow 2017
Carlow St. Patricks Day Parade 2017 was headed up by the Carlow Post 29 Irish United Nations Veterans Association.
In 2017 the theme of the parade was “Love Carlow”. And this was incorporated into the design of floats, showing how and what you love about Carlow. And floats made a welcome return to the streets.
The gathering was at 2.30 pm and was starting at 3.30 pm. The parade was moved along Kennedy Ave, Barrack St, Tullow St, and Burrin Street. To finish at Water Lane Car Park.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Carlow 2016
In 2016 the parade began in the town of Carlow at 15:30. As usual, she gathered a lot of participants and spectators. Streets and shop windows have been festively decorated in national colors. Every year, local schools, sports clubs, social organizations, local entrepreneurs, dance groups, associations, and communities presented themselves in their colors. There was also a group representing Poles living here.
Three local orchestras, the newly formed Carlow Pipe Band took a part. As well Killeshin Pipe Band and Presentation School Band took part in the march. According to the celebrations of the centenary of the 1916 Easter Uprising this year. And the memory of those who fought and died for Ireland’s freedom.
The theme of the parade was “Carlow 1916-2016”.
In 2016 it was only a walking parade. So, there were no platforms and antique cars that usually attracted the most interest. The decision that only marching groups would take part in the parade was taken by the organizers for safety reasons. And due to the expected increased number of spectators on the streets. According to the organizers, the residents’ reaction to this decision was very positive. Everyone understood the rationale that the parade would be safer and more accessible, especially for children and the elderly.
It was the second St. Patrick’s Day parade I participated in Carlow. This year the parade was accompanied by beautiful sunny weather. I made over 200 photos. The first part is the start of the parade on Kennedy Ave. The parade began with a performance of the Carlow Pipe Band.
The latest part of “Star Wars” – “The Force Awakens” – was filmed, among others in Ireland. Hence the presence of the characters from the saga in the parade. The second part is the passage of the parade through the city’s main street – Tullow Street. Although this year’s parade attracted more viewers. It was more modest compared to 2015, with fewer participants marching in the parade itself. A great plus this year was the beautiful, sunny weather.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Carlow 2015
2015 was the first parade I participated in Carlow.
County Sports Person of the Year, Carlow’s Ambassador for Sport Marcus Lawler, and reigning Carlow Rose Miriam Smyth led the St. Patrick’s Day parade this year.
The parade will be led by a colorful party from the Reserve Defence Forces. Local dignitaries will view the parade from the review stand outside Teach Dolmain, Tullow Street. Participating bands include the Presentation School Band, the Killeshin Pipe Band, and St. Brigid’s Athy and District Pipe Band. Sporting clubs, voluntary organizations, dance groups as well as schools, state societies, and the business community are all getting behind this year’s parade as walking groups or festive floats. Local traders and the business community had shop windows and premises decked out in festive colors. And displays and in keeping with the global project of greening public buildings across the five continents on St. Patrick’s Day local landmarks will go all green for the festival weekend.
The Carlow parade will assemble from 2.30 p.m. with the parade moving off at 3.30 p.m. Walking groups will gather in Penneys Carpark. While floats and vehicles will line up on Burrin Street. Which will be closed to through traffic from 2.30 p.m. on the day. Upon the departure of the parade from Penny’s, it turns right onto Kennedy Avenue. Then, up Barrack Street, down the length of Tullow Street. Then, left onto Burrin Street, and then left again onto Kennedy Avenue to finish up where it started outside Penny’s.
