Thurles St Patrick’s Day Parade 2014

Yesterday temperatures here in Thurles rose to just about 11°C, with a cold sharp breeze blowing down Liberty Square, here in the town. Despite these temperatures, almost one thousand people wrapped up well, turning out to view this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade here in the town centre.

Fabulous traditional Irish Music for the event was provided by the ‘Jim O’The Mills’ Band and if you haven’t already visited Jim O’The Mills licensed hostility here in Upperchurch, Co Tipperary – well let’s face it you haven’t really been to Ireland.

Possibly the highlight of the staged events for most children (all aged from nought to ninety, I might add) was the “Reptile Village,” Ireland’s only Reptile Zoo, on a one day trip, visiting from Demesne Road, Gowran, Co Kilkenny latter just across the border from Tipperary. While St Patrick is supposed to have gotten rid of all the snakes here in Ireland, we now know that he missed one, in this case a 20 ft Boa constrictor, shown in our quick picture video hereunder.

Thurles St Patrick’s Day Parade 2014 from George Willoughby on Vimeo.

The 2014 Thurles Parade was opened, as is customary, by His Grace Archbishop Dermot Clifford, who this year must be congratulated, as he celebrates the 50th year of his priestly mission. Master of Ceremonies for the overall event was former Ursuline Teacher and Town Councillor Mrs Mai Quinn who introduced each of the Floats, as they passed the reviewing stand. Councillor Evelyn Nevin led this years ‘Judging Panel’ from the Reviewing Stand.

Singer Imelda May, Giovanni Trapattoni and several well know pirates were amongst some of the celebrities quietly in evidence, together with numerous schools and business establishments from within the town and from villages on the outer perimeters – to name but a few.

As our video shows Gardaí did arrest two Boru Stoves for loitering, otherwise the afternoon, crime-wise, was uneventful.

Thurles Camera Club members as usual were also out in force capturing images of this truly enjoyable and very colourful of local event.

All in all, despite the low temperatures, again a fantastic display this year and congrats must go to the organising committee and the weeks of hard work by all those who took part.