Collection for St Patrick's Day Parade in Cavan Town

Mounting insurance costs have led the Cavan Town St Patrick's Day Parade committee to explore a variety of new and innovative funding methods, including the sale of 'Support' stickers and a Church Gate collection to take place this weekend.

The collections will take place on Saturday and Sunday, February 4 and 5, in preparation for the centerpiece March 17 event, which commences at the traditional time of 12.30pm.
Meanwhile, to show support and solidarity for the parade, specially commissioned stickers will go on sale throughout the town, priced a €1, stating ‘I support the Cavan St Patrick’s Day Parade’.
Parade Committee Chairman Michael Mooney says that the costs of staging the parade are rising each year with insurance a major cost factor.
As part of a high emphasis on the entertainment factor, laced with lots of colour and floats that are both topical and eye catching, some seven marching bands have also been invited to participate.
The committee, meanwhile, is limiting the number of vehicles per business that can participate free of charge to two and there will be a charge of €50 for any additional vehicles.
Peter McGinnity confirmed there were over 100 floats in the parade last year. He added that there is a very hard working committee with a focus to ensure this year’s parade will be one of the most memorable ever to be staged in the town.
“We are looking for the backing of all the Businesses in the town and any donation they can make, will contribute to financing the event. There is a knock-on effect for a lot of businesses on the day and not just the pubs – eateries, restaurants and taxis all benefit. Maybe more of the shops will decide to stay open this year, due to the fact that the parade is on a Friday and is an important trading day,” said Mr McGinnity.