Pre-St Patrick’s Day events on in Kinsale

The Kinsale St Patrick’s Day parade committee has said they are busy preparing for this year’s celebrations, with a range of pre-parade events set to kick-off from this month.

Highlights include the annual fun family bingo fundraising night, which will take place on February 20 at the Trident Hotel from 8pm, and the annual Church Gate Collection, taking place on February 22 and 23.

Other events include the maritime parade, taking place on March 16 in Kinsale Harbour, which will see onlookers enjoy the sight of beautifully lit boats sailing under the night sky.

The maritime parade will commence at 7.30pm, and will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display at approximately 8pm.

The grand marshal for this year’s street parade has been announced, with John Stanley, chairman of the Belgooly Show, taking the helm.

On St Patrick’s Day, the blessing of the shamrock will take place at 12pm Mass in the parish church, with local festivities then commencing throughout Kinsale town from 1pm.

There will be a range of activities available for all the family, including free face painting, balloon modelling, and live music.

A prize-giving for the children’s art competition will also take place at 1.15pm in the tourist office before the street parade, which will start at 3pm from the New Rd car park.

The theme for this year’s parade is ‘kindness and inclusivity’.

The parade will weave its way along The Glen, Pearse St, Barry’s Place, and the Pier Rd to the reviewing stand near the Pier Head.

The committee said that since the revival of the parade in 2012, it has been “wonderful” to see ongoing support from local businesses who ‘go green’ for the occasion in the weeks before the event.

There will also be prizes up for grabs for the ‘Best Dressed Window’ in advance of the festival weekend.

Anyone interested in sponsoring or contributing to funding, should contact 086 406 1536; or anyone who wishes to help out with stewarding on the day, should contact 087 924 4613, or email: kinsaleparade@gmail.com.