PARADE OF THE LEGENDS DRAWS BUMPER CROWD T O ST PATRICK’S FESTIVITIES IN MONAGHAN

What was by common consent the most colourful and inclusive St Patrick’s Day Parade of recent times drew very large crowds to Monaghan Town on Monday afternoon for a communal celebration of the Feast of the National Apostle. Former Government Minister and TD for Cavan/Monaghan Heather Humphreys was grand marshal for the event, which featured four bands and a cavalcade of floats and entries reflective of North Monaghan’s economic activity, community diversity and sporting prowess, with some very inventive and artistic takes on the parade theme of Irish Legends. One of the most eye-catching entries was provided by the supersize puppets and stilt-walkers assembled to represent Castleblayney’s own Muckno Mania Festival, which proved the winner of the award for the best entry reflecting the parade theme. Lowry Transport won the award for Best Commercial Float, with Beech Hill College capturing the prize for the entry with the best green theme. Aughnamullen Pipe Band were declared winners of the …