Community Spirit to Shine at Thurles St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Thurles is preparing for a vibrant celebration of community, culture and colour, as final arrangements continue for the town’s 2026 St Patrick’s Day Parade.
The event will take place on Tuesday, March 17th, with participants gathering on Abbey Road before making their way into Liberty Square at 2.30pm. Ahead of this years parade, traditional music will begin in Liberty Square from 1.30pm, helping to set the tone for what organisers hope will be a festive and well-supported afternoon.
This year’s celebrations will also place a strong emphasis on inclusion. A sensory area is being provided for those with additional needs, while Ukrainian groups have been invited to take part and share their culture as part of the day’s programme.
Organisers have spent recent weeks working to raise the funds needed to stage the event, with church gate collections taking place across neighbouring parishes. Having already collected in Holycross/Ballycahill last weekend, volunteers are now turning their attention to Thurles. The overall cost of the parade is expected to come in at between €8,000 and €9,000.
The parade committee has also acknowledged the support of sponsors and public bodies who have contributed to the event. Among those backing the parade are Michael’s Jewellers, Thurles Shopping Centre and Supermac’s, while funding has also been provided through a grant from Tipperary County Council.
A number of awards will be presented on the day, with plaques, medals and prizes across categories including Best Performance/Art/Education, Best Dressed Window, Best Small Entry, Best Traditional Window, Best Sports, Judges’ Special Award, Best Individual Entry, Best Walking Group and Best Large Entry.
A vase sponsored by Supermac’s will be awarded to the Best Large Entry, while the overall winner will receive a trophy sponsored by Michael’s Jewellers. The current prize fund stands at between €1,800 and €2,000.
The theme for this year’s parade is simple: “Wear Green”.
Organisers are encouraging everyone attending to embrace the occasion in style and help fill the town with colour on the national day.
They are also appealing for additional stewards to assist with the running of the event. Anyone interested in helping can contact Mobile Tel. No: 087 977 4725.
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