Published: Wednesday, 11th August, 2010 5:00pm

Doubt over '11 Cavan parade

Cllr. Paddy O'Reilly (FG).

Cavan town faces the prospects of not having a St. Patrick's Day parade next year following the shock announcement that the incumbent committee has stepped down following twelve years at the helm.

Following a meeting last Thursday night, the committee decided to step aside. It was the main topic for discussion and the high costs of staging the annual event proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back. A spokesperson for the committee told The Anglo-Celt: "We are not sure if there will be a parade next March."

Continuing, she said the committee had worked hard over the past decade in staging the parade each year. "It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to hand over the reigns to someone else."

She paid special tribute for the assistance and support of Cavan Town Council, publicans, businesses in Cavan town, and the parishioners who contributed to the church gate collection for their financial contributions towards the running costs of the parade. "We would like to thank all the participants who took part in the parade over the years and who made the day very special for the viewing public."

Thanks was also extended to the Colour Party and Marching Body of the Reserve Defence Forces Support Company of the 56th Inf. Battalion Forces, Dún ú Neill Barracks, Cavan, the stewards, An Garda Siochána for all their dedication and hard work over the years.

The outgoing committee consisted of Eddie Brady, chairman; Margaret Kelly, secretary; Martina Sexton, PRO; Paddy Sexton, treasurer and committee members Margaret Webber, Patricia Walsh, Elizabeth Coyle, Margaret Brady, Alan Cullinan, Myles Fitzpatrick, Cathal Kelly and Patrick Kelly.

The remaining funds have been donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Cavan.

Town Mayor Paddy O'Reilly said he would hate to see the position whereby the county town would not have a parade in 2011. "It has been an important event for the town for many years and draws in a lot of people on St. Patrick's Day."

Cavan Town Council has been a strong supporter of the event and would continue to be, he added. He went on to say that he was of the opinion that Donal Keogan, the proprietor of the Imperial was going to take over.

"He was the driving force behind the highly successful International Hen Festival recently and also staged a magnificent parade." Many people were very impressed with the parade and a lot of thought went into it.

However, when contacted by The Anglo-Celt this week, Mr. Keogan said there was no foundation to that suggestion. "We have enough on our plate looking after the summer festival without getting involved with the St. Patrick's Day parade."

He was adamant he was not taking over the reigns and added that he was unaware that the current committee had stepped down until contacted by this newspaper. "There is no truth that I'm taking over the St. Patrick's Day parade."