COOTEHILL DEFIES RAIN TO HOST COLOURFUL PADDY’S DAY PARADE!
By Michael McDonnell
michael@northern-standard.ie
Cootehill’s colourful Patrick’s Day Parade lived up to all expectations and kept the crowds that lined the streets excited and entertained throughout — despite the onset of heavy rain towards the end, which failed to spoil the party despite doing its best to do just that.
The town’s 27th Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade marked another success for the local Chamber of Commerce. Many colourful and original acts competed with each other to generate the loudest cheers from the onlookers before seeking the official seal of approval while passing the local dignitaries on the review stand.
MC for the occasion was the Chamber’s PRO, the one and only John Joe Lennon, who told The Northern Standard that people were very pleased with the event, which had up on 30 groups and organisations participating. Features of the parade included the classic cars of Breffni Vintage Club led by club chairman Eugene Markey, and an older still vintage steam thresher sponsored by Precision Engineering.
The overall best-float prize on this occasion went to Geraldine Reilly for her ‘Queen Meave’ representation.
Other participants included the Irish Army Colour Party led by Captain Patsy Smith, the Bunnoe Brass & Reed Band, ONET, Cootehilll Fire-Brigade, Cootehill Hurling Club, Cootehill Comhaltas, Cootehill Resource House, Cootehill Karate Club, Don Smith’s Pub, Carealot Childcare Tullyvin, Cootehill Boxing Club, Cootehill Harps, The Honda 50 Club, Cootehill Celtics CLG, St Finbar’s GAA, Kieran Mullen’s Pub, Cootehill Chamber, An Post Cyclists, Tullyvin Fair, Drumgoon GAA, Lisnaskea Silver Band, Ashley Morris Spring Water, Eamon Boylan Taxis, Abbott’s Factory, Joe McMahon Vintage Tractor, Johnny McMullen Tractor and Carleton Cakes.
