Everything has been set in place for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Mitchelstown and the committee for the Festival of the Galtees who organise the event, are hoping that this year will be every bit as successful as last year’s, which was the biggest one yet.

Almost every business, organisation and club is involved in the parade and anyone who hasn’t signed up should consider it, as it gives a great opportunity to get the name out there and create awareness.

The chairperson of the Festival of the Galtees vommittee, Michael White urged everyone taking part to obey the stewards and he said that prizes and trophies will be on offer for different categories.

To offset the costs of the festival, they will be holding a Flag Day on March 7 and 8 at various outlets around the town and all support would be greatly appreciated.

There will also be a window display competition, with prizes for Best Dressed Window and Best Irish Themed Window and a Best Interior Decoration and Best Dressed Window prize for the pubs. These are sponsored by the Mitchelstown Business Association and the committee wish to thank them for their sponsorship, as the displays really brighten up the town and create a festival atmosphere.

The committee would also like to thank the Gardai and Sergeant Aidan Dunne for their help and cooperation with the security on the day, James Murphy of Murphy’s Garage who provides the barriers and Tom and Ann Roche of Roche’s Cycles who facilitate the amps.

The parade will begin on George’s Street at the Church of Ireland, before proceeding down Church Street, Cork Street, up Baldwin Street to go back up George’s Street and into the Square from King’s Street.