The new chairman of the Killarney St Patrick’s Festival wants the town to tell a great story, over three years, with a wonderfully engaging chapter shared with the public each year.

Jason Clifford, who heads up the new-look and vibrant organising committee, said a three-year strategy and theme for the event will see Killarney telling a very relevant tale rather than just having people walking behind marching bands and banners with no connecting link.

This year the theme will be Echoes of Killarney’s Past which will recall the work of the monks on Inisfallen Island as they scripted the magnificent annals, the 1861 visit of Queen Victoria which put Killarney on the map as a premier tourist destination, the battles at Ross Castle and the rich history and culture of the town and its surrounds.

Next year the theme will focus on Echoes of Killarney’s Present and in 2026 the theme will be Echoes of Killarney’s Future.
“We feel it is important to create a journey and to tell a story and Killarney has a great story to tell,” said Jason who is general manager at The Dunloe Hotel and Gardens.

He said chairing the St Patrick’s Festival is a great challenge and he is delighted to be involved with such a progressive committee.

“Every year up to now I have been with my wife and kids standing on the street and watching and enjoying the St Patrick’s Day parade without ever giving a second thought to the incredible work that went on behind the scenes to make it all happen and bring it all together so seamlessly,” Jason said.

“This year I can really see and appreciate what really has to be done in advance”.
He paid tribute to his predecessor, Paul Sherry, who chaired the festival committee for a number of years and turned it into a magnificent spectacle.

“Hat’ off to Paul because he did such an amazing job. He is still an advisor to the committee and he is always at the end of the phone if needed which he often is because he has a wealth of knowledge,” he added.