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Keeping up with the Gobnaits in Killarney
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FORGET about keeping up with the Kardashians, in Killarney we’ll all be striving to emulate the Gobnaits these coming weeks.
Their unique flair for fashion quickly overshadowed any interest in the red-carpet style at last night’s Academy Awards as the doughty quartet strutted their stuff on the streets of the town to make their debut as this year's unofficial mascots for St Patrick’s Festival Cill Áirne.
They were swift to dispense words of wisdom, in particular announcing details of this year’s festival. “Because Killarney has always had that global feeling, a very topical theme for St Patrick’s Festival 2017 parade is ‘Diversity’ – variety in every culture and tradition,” they stated.
Annmarie Kennelly, chairperson, St Patrick’s Festival Cill Áirne, said: “One year on from our Centenary celebrations, we thought we should celebrate our Diversity, showcasing the variety of sports, activities, clubs, musicians, dancers and everyone in our community. This is what the St Patrick’s Day Parade has always been about – honouring all the fantastic work that is done in our community and acknowledging all of their fantastic achievements.”
The festival committee is calling on all local businesses and the community to play their part. Apart from the regular festivities, the festival committee is also running the annual “Best Shop Window Display”, with Lynes of High Street taking the accolade in 2016.
Greening is always going to be a big part of St Patricks Festival ad the committee is encouraging businesses and communities to light up green for this coming St Patrick’s Festival weekend. “It would be magical if every business and commercial building took part to make us the greenest town in the land,” said Annmarie.
Keeping up with the Gobnaits: From keft, Kate O’Leary (Gobnait A), Emer Corridan (Gobnait B), Anne Marie Kennelly (Gobnait C) and Julie McGowan (Gobnait D), this year's unofficial mascots for St. Patrick’s Festival Cill Airne. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN