St Patrick’s Day parade set to be bigger and better

For the last few months, a number of the GAA clubs in the town have been working together on the parade.

And the finishing touches for this year’s event in Lurgan are almost complete.

The parade, which has been cleared with the local PSNI and takes the same route as previous years, will leave from St Peter’s Club at 11am this Sunday, March 17, returning for 12.15pm Mass in St Peter’s Church.

This year’s parade promises to be bigger and better than ever with marching bands, musical floats, vintage cars and an Irish wolfhound mascot.

There is also a fancy dress competition with the St Peter’s Club securing sponsorship of £150 for the prizes.

A full turn out is expected from all of the local GAA clubs and with local councillors and some members of the local ethnic community also taking part, organisers are aiming for a carnival atmosphere throughout the route.

“This is about members of our local community taking the opportunity to come together and celebrate St Patrick’s Day in a family friendly way,” said Jimmy Magee of St Peter’s.

“Hundreds of young people and adults are expected to take part while thousands of others will line the route and enjoy the colourful spectacle.

“This year St Peter’s Club facilitated a series of meetings with other GAA clubs and other local organisations in order to better plan the arrangements for 2013.

“We hope these plans will come to fruition on the day and the weather will be kind.”

Further information on the parade, including the route, is available by calling 0790 545 6632.