We were thrilled to be recognised as prizewinners at the Ballina St Patrick’s Day Parade Awards Ceremony in May. We were named winners of the Community Participation Promotion Section for our entry in Ballina’s St Patrick’s Day Parade 2022. The theme for this year’s parade was ‘Meitheal’, an old Irish term for people working together for the good of the community. It was great to be part of such a special day for Ballina. We loved seeing the other entries and the support from the crowds that came out to celebrate in the sunshine.

Thanks to the hardworking St Patrick’s Day Fest Ballina committee for a great day out. Many thanks also to the team from Moy Valley Resources IRD who helped to prepare our float, to Sheila and the ​​fabulous dancers and musicians from Moffatt School of Irish Dancing, to Gills Driving School – Gill Group for providing us with a float, and to our lovely driver, Pádraig!

We would also like to give a special shout-out to Ballina Community Clean Up who were busy promoting their #PlantATreeFor23 initiative at this year’s parade. As part of their overall Biodiversity Strategy, Ballina Community Clean Up aims to plant a tree for every person in Ballina by our 300th anniversary. Stay tuned for more news about that over the next few months.

As for us, we’re already planning next year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade entry and we can’t wait!