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Dressing up for St Patrick's Day Festival: Dave Rae, Mark Clifford and Kate O'Leary are encouraging everybody to dress up in old style and be part of St Patrick's Festival Parade in Killarney on Thursday, March 17, at 2pm. PICTURE: VALERIE O’SULLIVAN
 

 
THE team behind St Patrick’s Festival Cill Áirne is delighted with the response to the second annual event.
The theme of the festival is Ireland: Past, Present and Future and festival chairperson Anne Marie Kennelly of MD O’Shea and Sons encourages everyone to get out early on the day of the parade and join in what will be a spectacle for the whole family.
Committee member Helen Sheehan of The Killarney Grand Hotel added: “We have had a great response from the local business community both from a sponsorship level to local businesses getting involved with the festival.”
The committee advises that the parade floats and vehicles have to arrive at Mission Road from the Port Road and Cathedral Place side. Traffic will not be allowed to travel down Mission Road towards the Cathedral.
“The spectacle we have in store would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and we would ask that they be supported wherever possible,” added Helen.
Committee member Bernadette Randles said: “The planning is almost complete, all we hope for is a fine day so that the vibrancy of this year’s parade can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, and be sure to get in to town early for the many surprises we have planned.”
Meanwhile, the festival committee encourages every local business to get green. “Following on from last year’s hugely successful greening of Killarney we want to add more landmarks, let’s turn Killarney completely green,” said Anne Marie.
Other events include a céilí mór on Scotts Street on March 18 from 5pm and a party at the Grand Hotel featuring Ruaille Buaille.
Killarney Lake Lore and Lies Boat trip returns this year on Saturday, March 19, at 1.30pm. Tickets are available from Eason.
There will be plenty of free parking again this year, including at all three second-level schools, Holy Cross NS and the Old Monastery as well as Penneys multi-storey car park on St Patrick’s Day.