'The Shannon weeps while Dublin leaks'

Fortunately, for both the spectators and the participants in the 2026 St Patrick’s Day Parade, the rain held off for the duration of the event, which was one of the biggest, most colourful and successful in recent years. Well done to the organising committee, and participants who all put in such a huge effort to ensure that the parade was a most enjoyable, and safe one for us all.

Such was the high standard of all the floats that adjudicators had a difficult task in choosing the winners. Birdhill Tidy Towns were overall winners with the catchy slogan ‘The Shannon weeps while Dublin leaks’.

Best Club/Organisation Award went to a very colourful Ború Blazers. Ballina-Killaloe Anglers used a fishing line and boat to illustrate water being abstracted from the Shannon and winning the Best Topical Float Award. Best Business Award went to Derg Credit Union whose float depicted the High King Brian Ború; The buzzy bees in Ballina-Boher Tidy Towns were Environmental Award winners, while the most colourful float was presented by the Encore Stage School, who gave several performances to most appreciative spectators on parade route. Killaloe Scouts and Beavers received a Special Merit Award for their excellent efforts. Joanne’s Boutique in Ballina was recipient of the Best Dressed Window Award.

Present on the review stand on The Green were Deputy Alan Kelly, Cllr Fiona Bonfield, Cllr Pamela Quirke O’Meara, Inspector Michealla Moloney, Fr James Grace, Fr Danny O’Gorman, Rev Richard Marsh and ‘Little Blue Hero’ Shay Collins with his mother Veronica.

The final act of the day was a special presentation to Sergeant Annette Ryan by the organising committee, in appreciation of her positive contribution to the parade for the last 14 years. Annette is transferring to the Garda Training College in Templemore; we thank her for her work in the district, and we wish her the best of luck in the coming years.

Further details/acknowledgements will be included in next week’s Guardian.