Worries ‘military group’ will steal parade limelight

Concerns have been raised that this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade through the city will be hijacked by a military group.

But a Galway City Council meeting was assured that the only official military presence at this year’s parade will be an increased number of soldiers from the Renmore Barracks.

This year, Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa personnel will be doubled, if not trebled such is the Department of Defence’s commitment to being part of the parade in the 1916 centenary year.

Cllr Pádraig Conneely said he was worried that some other military group would hijack the event and asked what steps were the local authority taking to ensure this wouldn’t happen.

Gary McMahon, Acting Senior Executive Officer, told the meeting that they would have their own stewards, some private security personnel and the support of the Gardaí at the start of the parade at Fr Griffin Road.

They would ensure that only approved groups could take part in the parade and that no banner with inappropriate messages would be allowed to be carried.

Councillors approved the licence last week for the parade to take place on St Patrick’s Day and again Cllr Conneely was assured that by Cllr Anna Marley that another event, which would commemorate the Easter Rising would be held on Easter Monday and not during the parade next week.

She told Cllr Conneely he was more than welcome to attend that event to which he gave an emphatic no. However, he added that he was thankful for the invite as “I’m not invited to much around here these days.”

The viewing platform is smaller this year as it will become a stage at Eyre Square for a family event to be held afterwards, weather permitting, but it will accommodate councillors, dignitaries and some family members.

The Mayor of Galway, Cllr Frank Fahy pointed out that there would be a separate viewing stand across the road for those with disabilities and wheelchair users.

The parade starts at 11.30am and involves up to 1,000 performers and floats and some 150 event staff. It is expected to attract up to 30,000 spectators and should finish at Eyre Square by 1pm.

The parade is a free, non-ticketed event for all members of the public and is supported by a traffic management, a draft event management plan and a medical plan, in accordance with new regulations brought in to cover large public events.

This year’s parade has a strong 1916 Centenary theme and involves schools, community and sporting groups as well as some commercial floats.