Efforts are being made to get people to join the Portarlington St Patrick’s Day committee as the staging of the parade in 2018 now hangs in the balance.
“Most people in Portarlington want to see a St Patrick’s Day Parade and the majority of local clubs and groups participate in it,” Cllr Aidan Mullins said.
“It attracts great crowds every year and brings a bit of colour and life to the town,” he said.
“However next year’s parade is at serious risk of being cancelled due to the loss of some committee members,” Cllr Mullins said.
“A public meeting was held last night to discuss the future of the parade and members of the public were invited to come along and assist.
Disappointingly, only 5 people turned up and they are current members of the committee.
“It was decided to give this one last chance and a final decision on whether to hold the parade next year will be taken in early January,” Cllr Mullins said.
“In the meantime, to ensure the parade goes ahead, we need to strengthen the committee and we are asking anyone who can give some time in the few months leading up to St. Patrick’s Day to come on board otherwise the parade will be cancelled,” he said.
Help
“Even if you are only available to act as a steward on the day would be a great help as we need about 20 people for this alone. Any time you can give us would be a help,” Cllr Mullins said.
“If you, or anybody you know, wants to help out, private message me on Facebook or ring me on 086 8501476 or contact any committee member,” Cllr Mullins said.
Despite very inclement weather last St Patrick’s Day, the parade in Portarlington was deemed a big success.
SEE ALSO – Motorists urged to avoid Mountmellick due to road closures
