VIDEO: Killeshandra enjoys its biggest ever St Patrick’s Day

Over fifty floats participated in the Saint Patrick's Day parade in Killeshandra yesterday afternoon.

Floats consisted of traditional music groups, Killeshandra Fire Service, the All-Ireland Junior Club Champions form Arva, sporting groups, vintage cars and tractors, local businesses, social groups and more.

“One thing about Killeshandra, we’ve great tradition of Irish music, dance and good craic,” beamed one of the parade organisers Padraig Tiernan.

Led by Grand Marshall Joe Hayes, the parade brought hundreds to the town which will host this year’s County Fleadh on the June Bank Holiday weekend.

“He’s the longest serving member on the committee for Saint Patrick’s Day,” praised Padraig. “We have different groups, young and old, something funny and a lot of commercial.”

The day was filled with green and glee as children ran to grab their favourite treats thrown out by local businesses. Crowds enjoyed a good laugh at witty floats referencing RTÉ’s recent payment scandal, guest appearances from stars such as Donald Trump, Joe Biden and Taylor Swift and seeing people of the community dress up for the day.

“There has been a lot of things happening over the weekend,” Padraig added, explaining that that town’s Tradfest started on Friday.

“Last night they had a community centre concert and there’s music again in all the pubs [today].”

Also opening on the day was Killeshandra Community Library.

“It’s run by volunteers in the community and the books are being supplied by Cavan County Council.”

The facility located at the Resource Centre, is also home to the Killashandra Community Council Office, an information centre and a brand-new meeting room for the town. The DayCare group also gave out tea and coffee with music session in the main hall following the parade.

The town are proud to host this year’s Fleadh Cheoil An Chabháin from May 31 to June 2 which will be followed by the Killeshandra Camino Calling on June 15.

With the tune of tin whistles, fiddles and flutes floating around the town, Padraig said “it’s great” that the music, fun and community spirit will continue for Killeshandra throughout the year.

See Wednesday's newspaper for photos from the parade.