St. Patrick makes history (again) in Blacklion

Blacklion hosted its first ever St. Patrick's Day parade in the village last Wednesday and although it was a modest affair, it was perhaps one of the most significant parades in the country, attracting media attention from RTE. What made the parade so special was that it was one of the first ever cross-border St. Patrick's Day parades in the country. The parade was jointed hosted by Blacklion and its neighbour across the bridge, Belcoo in Fermanagh. The excitement was palpable, with a sea of colour lining the streets. The brainchild of the Blacklion Traders Association, the parade got underway at about 4pm and raised funds for victims of the Haiti earthquake. Among those entertaining the masses were set-dancers, St. Michael's Scout Band from Enniskillen, Michael Leonard of You're A Star fame, the choir One Voice, and Eugene Dolan and family. St. Patrick led the parade for his first appearance in the village since 431! Following the success and significance of the parade, the traders hope it will become an annual event.