So whats on in Co. Sligo for St Patricks Day 2010????

Sligo Town Parade - The Sligo St. Patrick’s Day Pageant upholds the traditions of all great carnivals that revel in undermining, if just for one day, the boundaries of authority. Street jesters, face-painters, green revellers and masked impersonators join in a mệlée of Irish compatriots, from all over the world, who flock to the celebration.

This year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade will follow a radically different route than previous years.In almost a reversal of its traditional route, it will start on Pearse Road and finish on Mail Coach Road. In between it will travel a longer circuit, going northwards on O’Connell Street and out as far as Hughes Bridge. The switch is made necessary by the changes in O’Connell street to facilitate its re-opening to cars. The parade will line-up at Lower Pearse Road, moving off at 12 noon. From there the route goes down into Teeling Street, Castle Street, Grattan Street, right into O’Connell Street, right at the post office, across Hyde Bridge, left into Markievicz Road, left across Hughes Bridge, into Queen’s Store Road, Union Street, Adelaide Street, Temple Street and finishing up at Mail Coach Road. Organisers appealed for maximum support for the parade which is in its 40th year. “We would like to see maximum participation from community and sporting groups. We particularly appeal to the business community to show support by displaying flags and putting in window displays.” Already a band from Scotland and one from England have been lined up together with several from the North. The City of Sligo Pipe Band will as always have pride of place, as will the Ballinacarrow School Band. Telephone: +353 (0)71 9160041 Joe McCann

Aclare Parade - Parade starts at 4.30pm

Dromore West Parade - The Dromore West Village Events Committee is preparing for the annual Dromore West Village St. Patrick's Day Parade. Due to the terrible devastation from the earthquake in Haiti, the committee has decided to hold a "Haiti Parade", which will include a full family fun day in the Community Centre on the 17th March 2010 and entertainment afterwards - in which all proceeds will be sent to Haiti. All businesses, schools and groups - big or small are welcome to participate in the parade and the festivities in the Community Centre along with any individual members of the community who want to take part in this day. Volunteers are required for the successful running of this event, e.g. stewards, money collectors and entertainers. There is no fixed fee for parade entrees, but donations are welcome and all proceeds will be sent to Haiti. For enquiries please phone Blair Feeney at 087-2568217 or Geraldine McCloat at 087-7469372.