What's on for the weekend

Cavan Town

Cavan Town is one of the first parades to kick off in the county and the county town will once again have to prove itself and rise above in the difficult position of being one of the county’s biggest parades but Michael Mooney ensured the Celt that this year will top all others.
With an estimated of 80-100 floats, there is no doubt there will be something to satisfy all tastes from young to old. Swarms of people will line the streets and watch on as All-Ireland Ladies Football champions, Donna English and Roisin O’Keeffe, lead the parade up through the town. This year’s floats will include local sport teams, dance groups, local industries and St Patrick himself will make an appearence. Of course none of this could have happened without the community effort of those on the committee and outside year after year. Michael said they have always been “well supported and everyone loves being involved in the parade because it’s something that is totally Irish”. He jokingly added that if we get the weather, everyone will be happy. Once again the parade will be televised live online for all the Irish in distant lands to view on Cavan TV so everyone can get a piece of home.

Ballyconnell
Ballyconnell will be flying the flag in the west of the county. The creative and family-entertainment orientated St Patrick’s day parade, which has attracted large crowds over the past decade, will take place this year at 3pm.
The Ballyconnell Town and District Development Committee are responsible for organising the parade and the Secretary Ann Crowe told The Anglo-Celt that between 40 and 60 floats take part in the parade each year. “The floats are very creative, artistic and humorous and it is one of the bigger parades in the county. Everyone from the children in the pre-school right through to those in Active Retirement participate.” The active youth club in the town are also taking part. Hundreds of spectators line both sides of the street and right over the bridge to get a clear vantage point. The parade will be led by the Mountain Road Pipe Band, Milltown Comhaltas and the Belturbet Scouts. Ann Crowe adds that the parade reflects the good community spirit that is thriving in Ballyconnell.There will be music prior to the parade and at the conclusion and this will be complimented by some great dancing by the Kildallan Dancers. The chairperson of the committee, Susan McVitty, said the fact that the parade a large crowd every year “is good for the town and for the businesses”. Ms McVitty paid tribute to the team of stewards and the gardaí who ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.

Bailieborough
To the east of the county and organisers in Bailieborough believe that St Patrick’s Day’s festivities this year will be the biggest and the best in its 14-year existence. Niamh Smyth, one of the chief coordinators, told the Celt that up to 100 floats are expected to participate in the parade this year and there has been a “significant rise from previous years”. As Bailieborough charges no admission fee for floats, it’s an ideal opportunity for local businesses to promote themselves, while boosting participation in the parade, explained Niamh. March 17 in Bailieborough will see a variety of clubs demonstrating their talents to eager spectators. Among them, one particular group, the Rhythmic Dance Twirlers will be heading to the National Baton Twirling Final. Also, young kids from the Bailieborough Arts & Cultural Centre will be performing in an up coming musical 'Aladdin’, which is to be showcased the first week of April. Leading the parade this year will be the one and only St Patrick himself - “the only man for the job”, as Niamh herself says. Following a positive reception last year, the parade will also see the return of fire eaters, jugglers and face painters. The standard is extremely high this year, according to Niamh, considering the number of entries and everyone wants to snatch the crystal plaque between the four categories: best comedy, best commercial, best industry and best new entry.To catch a glimpse of this extravaganza get yourself down to Bailieborough at 2pm.

Kingscourt
Staying in the east and bunting and flags have been erected crossing the main street in Kingscourt for its St Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade will start at 1pm and will be streamed live on www.themarketsquare.ie all over the world. A flag raising ceremony will be held earlier at 12.30pm in the centre of the town. All industrial and business floats, clubs and organisations and others participants, should assemble at noon in the Mt. St. Joseph’s area so that they can be allocated positions in the parade. Late entries will be positioned at the rear of the parade. With this year’s parade being covered by RTÉ, it is important that every effort is made to be on time. There will be some parking restrictions in areas along the parade route, parking will be available in other areas of the town, Kells Rd. Bailieborough Rd, Shercock Rd., Carrickmacross Road, The theme for this year’s Best Dressed Shop Window is “The Roaring Nineties”. There will also be prizes for the best industrial or business float, club /organisation on foot or float. Traders and residents are also encouraged to display a flag on the day of the parade. The parade has a long tradition of being the largest in the North East region and attracts a lot of visitors from all the surrounding areas, it is organised each year by Kingscourt Community Development , who are most thankful for all the financial support they receive each year from industrial and businesses in the area.

Cootehill
To Cootehill and the Cootehill Chamber of Commerce is busy making preparations for the 29th annual parade there, which will get underway at 3pm. This year they welcome marching bands from Lisnaskea and Bunnoe, the Cavan Rugby Choir, local CCE Musicians and Traditional Irish dancers showcasing their talents. This year the Honorary Grand Marshall is Mr Sean Foy, who is being honoured for his outstanding contribution to the community and he will take over the baton from last years honorary Grand Marshall Mr Hugh O Brien.
This year in order to accommodate the Monster Charity Truck Run, parade entrants should assemble at St Michael’s Hall car park and exit through The Sabbath onto Bridge Street and the parade will start at the old Credit Union, Bridge Street, at 3pm and will progress through Market Street. Large vehicles shall assemble at the Darley School, Bridge Street. The Chamber are appealing to all community groups, schools, play groups, businesses, and all other interested parties who have previously taken part in the parade or who are interested in participating for the first time to get in contact with any Chamber member or contact Connie Whelan on 086 2604163 or Tony McMahon on 087-946 6030/ tonymc8@gmail.com.

Kilnaleck
The Kilnaleck parade will also get underway at 3pm with participants asked to meet at the Handball Alleay at 2.30pm sharp. Crosskeys Comhaltas are among the floats entering this year and they are inviting all children to come along on the day with their instrument to take part. There will also be a Seisiún na nÉg in Boylan’s Pub after the parade. Everyone welcome!

Ballyjamesduff
Ballyjamesduff will hold the Parade on Monday, March 17, starting at 4pm. All clubs and businesses who are intending to participate in the Parade are asked to please assemble from 3pm at the Co-Op Mart on Granard Road, Ballyjamesduff. Your continued support and participation is very much appreciated by the Parade committee.

Ballinagh
To Ballinaghan and the parade there will start at the traditional time of 4.30pm from the Community Centre car park. This year we have prizes for the best St Patrick’s Day jumper and also the best dressed dog. Busking competition starts at 4pm (weather permitting). The competition will take place on the street however if it’s raining- take cover in some of the fine public houses in the town.

Killeshandra
The ninth annual parade will take place on Monday, March 17 at 4pm. Prizes for best floats. Road will be closed between Post Office and Day Centre from 4pm for around 30 minutes. All floats assemble on Bawn road and Creamery road from 3.30pm. Stewards will be in place to direct floats. All cars must not park on Main Street for duration of parade.

Cross Border Parade
Blacklion and Belcoo St Patrick’s Day parade takes place Monday, March 17, commencing at 4pm in Blacklion proceeding to Belcoo and back to Blacklion.

Arva
Parade is set for 3pm as usual. This year the parade will be led by the Killyvargney Pipe Band from Clones. A great community effort is expected from all community organisations ie. GAA, Ladies GAA, Forogie, Show Society and all other organisation or businesses and people wishing to enter floats depicting national, international and local topical events.

Mullagh
The last parade to take place in County Cavan on Monday will be in Mullagh from 5pm. It’s hoped that there will be a good selection of floats from local businesses and clubs. If you would like any further information regarding the parade, you may contact a member of the Mullagh Development Committee on 087-7466606.

Oldcastle
The Oldcastle St Patrick’s Day Parade, which is hosted by the Oldcastle Vinters, boasts a whopping €1,000 in prize money. The parade assembles at 11am at Gilson Park/Show Hall via Railway Yard and Fairgreen and commences at 12.15 led by E Coy 27th RDF Colour Party and troupe with world renowned piper Sean Kelly.
With stage entertainment, Louise Smith’s Academy School of Dancing, and bouncy castles for the children sponsored by King of the Castle, Liam Hetheron. Prize categories are as follows: Best overall float €300, best local float €200, 2nd prize €150, 3rd €50; best vintage display €100, best topical float €100, best fancy dress child €50 voucher sponsored by Lynchs Pharmacy, best presented lorry €50, best window display €50 voucher sponsored by Donna McQuaid’s Pharmacy, environmental award for best float with environmental theme, sponsored by Meath County Council. A great day is promised for all.

Ballinamore
RTÉ will also be in town for the Ballinamore St Patrick’s Day parade. We are pulling out all the stops, so those of you who are entering the parade get those floats floating and make those ideas real. We are inviting young and old, big and small to join us in town to celebrate this special occasion.
The theme this year is “Over the Rainbow”. There are prizes galore for a number of different categories including best on foot, best float, most humorous and a prize for Best Dressed on the day and for Best Window Display. Young folk from the town and surrounding areas will provide music and dance. There will be a few surprises and refreshments for the children at the courthouse. The Irish Artisan Archery will be there with a display. The scouts will be holding their annual cake sale with fun and face painting. So come on out and join in the 'ceoil agus craic’.
The parade will take place on Monday, March 17, at 3pm. Those entering the parade are asked to meet at Tesco’s car park at 2.15pm. We are also asking people not to throw sweets out to the spectators as it is a safety hazard and are also looking for volunteer stewards.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the day and don’t forget your colours and smiles. For more information contact Dawn @ 086 311 5647 or David McCabe (Poor Scholar).

What else is on for the weekend?

8K RUN/WALK
Where: Templeport
When: Saturday March 15 at noon
What: Register at football field on day or online at www.precisiontiming.net. Special rates for juveniles and families.

NOT SO STRICTLY COME DANCING
Where: Slieve Russell Hotel
When: Sunday, March 16 at 8pm
What: 12 couples are currently practising since January hoping to be crowned King and Queen of Strictly Come Dancing 2014. Tickets 15 euro from any of the dancers.

QUIZ
Where: Breffni Arms Hotel, Arva
When: Friday March 14 at 9pm
What: Fundraiser for Latin School Community Centre in Moyne.€40 per table. Spot Prizes on the night.

JOINT FUNDRAISER
Where: Community Hall, Killeshandra
When: March 14 at 9pm
What: Country Tea Dance for Killeshandra Christmas Lights and Heart Save group. Music by Evening Star.

Happy Feet Walkers
Where: St Michael’s Hall, Cootehill
When: Sunday March 16 at 2pm
What: St Patrick’s Weekend 5k and 10k Forest Run/Walk. €5 for adults and U 12s free. Fancy dress optional. Everyone welcome.

CHARITY CYCLE
Where: Tesco Car Park, Baileborough
When: Saturday March 15 at 11am
What: In aid of 'Aware’ and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund. Registration from 10am at car park. €10 for 20km, €20 for 80km and €20 for families. Cycling helmets must be worn. Refreshments served after each cycle.

MONSTER CHARITY TRUCK RUN
Where: Cootehill
When: Monday March 17 at 2.30pm
What: Preceding the St Patrick’s Day Parade at 3pm in Cootehill, is a Monster Charity Truck Run in aid of the Holy Family School. Be on Market Street to witness this spectacle at 2.30pm.

SHAVE OR DYE
Where: McCabes Lougne Bar, Ballyjamesduff
When: Saturday March 22 at 9pm
What: Fundraiser in aid of Irish Cancer Society. Sponsership cards and more information contact Dermot Conaty on 087 9025643.

DRAMA FESTIVAL
Where: Shercock
When: Begins Thursday March 13 at 8.30pm
What: 27th Annual Drama Festival. Eight night programme.

MISS ELLIE’S TEA ROOM
Where: Carmel McConnon’s, Main St, Shercock
When: March 14 and 15 from 10am - 4pm
What: In aid of the poorest of poor in Malawi where local man Liam Stewart is going to be volunteering.

CONCERT
Where: Latnamard School Hall, Newbliss
When: Sunday March 16 , doors at 7.30pm
What: Aghabog Drama Society wil hold their annual St Patrick’s Day concert. Good night’s entertainment guaranteed.

Maggie Flaherty fundraiser
Where: Glangevlin Hall
When: Friday, March 14 and Friday March 21 at 9pm
What: Shannon Valley Drama Group present a concert on Friday, March 14, at 9pm in Glangevlin Hall and on Friday, March 21, at 9pm in Doobally Hall in aid of baby Maggie Flaherty, daughter of Jenny DeLacy. Maggie has a rare form of brain cancer and these fundraisers will be a significant help. Refreshments will be served.

Quiz night
Where: The Square Bar, Baileborough
When: Friday, March 14 at 9.30pm
What: Table quiz in aid of Bailieborough Shamrocks GAA, Juvenile section, in Nixys, The Square Bar, this Friday, March 14, at 9.30pm sharp. Teams of four, €40 per team. Please support.

Fundraising in Drumkilly
Where: Copper Kettle, Kilnaleck
When: Friday, March 14 at 9.30pm
What: Drumkilly Development Group will stage a fundraising table quiz in the Copper Kettle, Kilnaleck on Friday, March 14, at 9.30pm. Tables will be €40 each.

Frolics 'Forever Young’
Where: St.Joseph’s Hall, Ballyjamesduff
When: Tuesday, March 11-17
What: It’s Frolics time again in Ballyjamesduff, there is a great mix of experience and new young talent - come along for a great nights entertainment. Phone booking office on 049 8553 330 to book for the last few nights - don’t miss it.

Cormeen Golf Society
Where: Virginia
When: Saturday, March 15
What: A Charity Golf Outing in aid of Meath River Rescue and Palliative Care will be held in Virginia on Saturday, March 15. Two man scramble €25 per person. Gene Tully would welcome your support. Contact: 087 2762 974.

Cuchulainn’s Ladies GFC
Where: Cross Hall and Heritage Centre
When: Sunday, March 16, times vary
What: Ladies will hold a Cake Sale on Sunday, March 16 in Cross Hall after the 10am Mass and in the Heritage Centre after the 11.30am Mass.

Fleadh Fundraiser
Where: MacSeains
When: Sunday, March 16 at 7pm.
What: Fundraising Night in aid Of County Fleadh to be held in MacSeains, Cornafean. Music and craic, night not to be missed. All Support would be greatly appreciated.

IRISH NIGHT
Where: GAA Centre Killinkere
When: Saturday, March 15
What: Oiche Gaeilge - Irish Night in G.A.A centre Killinkere on Saturday, March 15. Songs, recitations and Fíor Céilí dancing. Admission is free, Supper will be served and everyone is welcome.

RUN-JOG-WALK
Where: St Michael’s Hall Cootehill
When: Sunday, March 16 at 1.30pm
What: Charity 5k and 10k Forest run-jog-walk. All proceeds in aid of St. Christopher’s Hospice, Cavan. Registration begins at 1.30pm, run starts at 2pm. €5 entry fee, Under 12’s free entry (must be accompanied by an adult) There will be prizes for the overall winners and refreshments will be served after the event.