All roads lead to Moville this St Patrick's Day

Event organisers have advised visitors to the town to arrive early in order to find a safe parking location, as the town is not accessible to traffic during the parade.

The parade will leave the Glencrow road at 2.30pm sharp, and will proceed up Main Street, Malin Road, Ard Foyle, St Finians Park and Ballynally lane back to the Square.

All local businesses and organisations have been invited to take part in the parade this year and a good turnout is expected. There will be accordion bands and pipe bands in the parade as well.

Live entertainment on the stage in the Square will start at 1pm with Patricia Ferns and her own inimitable style of folk music with a Scottish/Irish flavour.

From 2pm, the David Craig band takes over the stage and will be entertaining the crowd as the parade makes its way around the town.

A spokesperson for the parade said: “Lucky Shamrock sellers will be doing the rounds on the day and this sticker not only shows your support of the parade in Moville but also enters you into a draw which will be completed before the music finishes around 5pm.

“This is one of the most important fund raisers which enables us to pay for bands from far and wide. Please show your support.”

There will also be children’s entertainment in the Square with bouncy castles and other activities during the afternoon.

“Your full cooperation with Gardaí and stewards is asked for so that the event passes off safely for all.

“Many of the local bars will have afternoon entertainment and this day brings together friends who have not seen each other for years. Beidh fáilte romhaibh ar an lá agus bainígí sult as an ceol agus an craic,” added the spokesperson.

On Thursday, March 16, St Patrick’s Eve, there will be a traditional music night and singsong in the Trawlerman Bar. Any musicians or singers who want to join in the seisiún are most welcome.

The music usually starts around 10pm but if anyone wants to warm up before this then they will be welcome to get the craic going.

The presentation of prizes for the best floats and window displays will take place in the Corner Bar on Sunday, March 18 at 10pm. The draw for five €100 vouchers will also take place at this event.

“All participants in the parade are welcome to come along and show some appreciation for the efforts of the winners in each category. It is a good way to wrap up our National holiday. Bígí linn ar an oíche,” said the spokesperson.

The 25th anniversary magazine will also be launched on March 18, and a DVD and magazine are available for €10. Moville Men’s Shed are also holding an event on St Patrick’s night.

“We would like to thank all the local businesses who support our parade year after year and we hope that you support them on the day as well. All we need now is some prayers for good weather and an enjoyable day for all,” he added.