MONAGHAN WAVES TO THE WORLD ON ST PATRICK’S DAY

Friday’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Monaghan Town had a worldwide audience thanks to live video streaming, with the crowds gathered before the reviewing stand in The Diamond responding enthusiastically when Master of Ceremonies Sean McCaffrey called for “a wave to the world” as the cavalcade of 70 participating elements began its wave through the main thoroughfares of the town. Declared a significant success at Monday’s meeting of the Monaghan Municipal District, the event embraced the theme of “Pedal Power for the Future”, an ecofriendly text translated colourfully and imaginatively into action by many of the floats that took part.

The Dirty Fabulous emporium in Glaslough Street won the prize for best incorporating the theme into a window display, while the ACTS church group were awarded for the best theme-related float. Other prize-winners on the day were the window display in the Irish language of Dinkin’s Bakery, Coral Leisure, the Monaghan Men’s Shed and the Clontibret O’Neill Pipe Band. The awards will be presented at the April meeting of the Monaghan Municipal District. Church of Ireland Bishop of Clogher the Rt Revd Dr Ian Ellis, Catholic Bishop of Clogher Larry Duffy and Rev Canon Ian Berry were among the guests on the reviewing platform in company with Garda Superintendent Pat O’Connell, Cathaoirleach Raymond Aughey and members of the Monaghan Municipal District, Monaghan Co Council Cathaoirleach…