Published: Wednesday, 10th March, 2010 5:00pm

Reign on, our parade

Committee may step down if pushed to change established time-slot

Ryan, Aisling and Jack Brown were proud to fly their national colours for last year's the Cavan St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo: Lorraine Teevan

The St. Patrick's Day parade will march down the Main Street of Cavan town next Wednesday, but it could be the last time face-painted families and revellers get to enjoy these celebrations if the voluntary committee continue to be put under pressure to change it from its current 12.30pm time-slot.

Committee members, Cllrs. Patricia Walsh and Paddy Sexton, told fellow members of the town council on Monday that they were under increasing pressure to change from a 12.30pm parade, which has worked well since it started eleven years ago, to late afternoon.

"Things change, and I understand that, but it's something this committee can't accept. If people want to change it to 4.30pm, that's fine but we can't do it," said Cllr. Sexton.

He cited the current time as "ideal" because it is well established with seven or eight marching bands who participate loyally each year, it's scheduled for just after 11.30am mass and it's a good time for gardaí.

Cllr. Walsh noted that the committee have put in a lot of work on a voluntary basis in the face of economic adversity. "It was hard this year, because with the Fleadh and the International Hens Weekend, businesses were being hit on the treble," she said. "It would be unfortunate if this was the last year."

They thanked the town council for support, both financial and practical, but all other councillors joined in urging the committee to continue and pledged their support for the current parade time.

"People shouldn't underestimate the logistics of organising the parade," said Cllr. Des Cullen. "Changing the time would be a retrograde step, it has a niche," said Cllr. Paddy O'Reilly, and Cllrs. Paddy Conaty and Terry Argue agreed that "it could be the death knell".

"Kids enjoy the parade," stated Jacqui Lewis. Chairperson Andrew Boylan agreed: "It's a family day out and it functions well because we have a good time-slot. I remember when people gave out because we didn't have a parade."

Cllr. Brian McKeown joined in support for the committee and clarified with Cllr. Sexton that the current slot is favoured by gardaí. On behalf of the committee, Cllrs. Sexton and Walsh thanked the council, who allocated a €2,000 grant to this year's parade, for their support over the years.

• This year's Cavan St. Patrick's Day parade will be streamed live on The Anglo-Celt website, courtesy of Maguire Media.