By Sean Moriarty

Mayor of Killarney, Marie Moloney, has welcomed a return to normality as Killarney prepares for its first St Patrick’s Day Parade since the pandemic struck.

However, she also urged caution as COVID-19 is still prevalent in the community.

“It has now been three years since our last St Patrick’s Day Festival and parade. We are just emerging from two very difficult years due to the pandemic, however I would urge people to still be cautious as COVID-19 is still around and people are still contracting the disease, and to do what is comfortable with them to stay safe. With that being said, it is great to see things returning to some normality,” she told the Killarney Advertiser.

The Mayor’s St Patrick’s weekend engagements started last night (Wednesday) where she met 60 American tourists at the Plaza Hotel. There she invited the visitors to march in today’s parade.

“We look forward to the celebrations, the parade promises to be as big and as colourful as ever,” she added. “We also have a number of visitors who have come to march with us - some from overseas. It will be great to see the children back on the streets, those participating in the parade and those who have come out with their parents to watch and enjoy."

She has also extended an invitation to the people of Rathmore to participate in the Killarney Parade. Rathmore’s parade, which was scheduled for Sunday last, was cancelled at the last minute due to health and safety concerns surrounding unfinished road works in the village.

“I want to thank the St Patrick’s Day committee for their extremely hard work to make this year’s festival a reality,” she said.

"I also want to invite the people of Rathmore, who unfortunately could not go ahead with their parade last Sunday, to come and join us in the Killarney parade this year.”