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This years Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Newry took place the day before the big day on Saturday the 16th of March breaking with years of tradition, but the gamble certainly paid off and even our unpredictable weather stayed dry for the duration. It had to be one of the largest most enjoyable parades anywhere on the Island and possibly beyond.
Another break with tradition saw the parade take in Francis Street, Patrick Street and Monaghan Street giving everyone in the town a chance to see the event easily. In former years the parade ended on Water Street in an understated way but this year Hill Street rightly reclaimed the Parade and it finished at the newly rejuvenated Marcus Square in front of a large enthusiastic crowd.
It took over an hour and a half for the parade to make it's way from The Quays to Hill Street. Several participants were celebrating prominent birthdays including the Gateway Club, St Catherines Band and St John Bosco GAC. The parade was led by Mayor John McArdle and "Saint Patrick" himself or at least a rather good lookalike. Taking part was a who's who of day to day life in Newry and beyond.
Bunscoil an Iúir, Three Ways Youth Group, Kirovsk and Newry School, Earwig Festival and St Malachy's, Kilcoo led the way followed by members of the Chinese Community.
IWAI Ireland took to the boat and even threw in a horse for good measure, Newry Shamrocks, Mayobridge Band, Orana Children and Family Centre who had an amazing float containing various mythical figures, Newry Rainbow Community, Longstone Band, Camlough Brass and Reed, Newry and Mourne Gymnastics.
Also marching were Lissummon GAC, Bessbrook Crimson Arrow Band, St Joseph's Flute Band, Ballybot who had the most amazing Children of Lir outfits, Attical Accordion Band, White Water Pipe Band, McDonald Memorial Pipe Band not to mention an "ear" that must have somehow got detached from the rest of it's body on the way from Specsavers!
In our opinion the best entrants were Oranas mythical figures, Ballybots Children of Lir, The Chinese Community, the various characters on top of the vans and most definitely Newry Gateway Club.
Following the parade there was Ceili Dancing in Marcus Square and live music from Cold Porter, The Nooks and Derek Ryan etc at Margaret Square. The Armagh Rhymers went walkabout including a spin through Philips Fruit and Veg!
All in all well done to Newry and Mourne District Council for organising the event and especially for all who took part in the parade and all the spectators who made the effort to dress up for the occasion - even if it was a day early!
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