PARADE A HIT ONCE AGAIN
Thirty years on and interest in the Ballon St. Patrick’s Day Parade shows little sign of abating. The 29th renewal of the event, (it was called off in 2001 as a prevention against the spread of Foot and Mouth disease) held on the national Feast Day, saw large crowds line both sides of the route from The Garage Cross to Ballykealey Lane to be entertained by the various floats, walking groups or vintage cars and machinery.
The parade started at the Land League Gates and took thirty-five minutes to pass the reviewing stand in the centre of the village. On the platform were Very Rev. Brendan Howard PP, Rev Lester Scott, and Cllrs. John Murphy, Willie Quinlan and Charlie Murphy along with various members of the organising committee. Martin Barry acted as MC.
The parade was led through the village by members of ONE and St. Patrick (AKA John Kelly).
| Prize Winners Best Walking Group - Burren Rangers Most Original - Cuchulainn Rounders Most Topical - KHA Best Commercial - Joe O'Toole and Sons, Tullow Best Community Effort - Ballon karate Club Most Amusing - Siopa Glas - Mrs Brown's Boys Oldest Vehicle - 1904 Steam Engine Best New Entry - PJL Agri and Industrial Parts Supplies | Sponsors Michael McAssey Kavanaghs - Garry Ryan Zerafas Top Shop Jimmys Take Away Nolan Tyres Tom Donoghue for use of Trailer Cheetah Property Maintenance who sponsored the trophies Michael Martin for photography Eamon Brennan, Kilbride for the music. Ballon G.F.C who sponsored one of their Annual tickets for the overall prize-winners – Cuchullain Rounders Club Jimmy and Valerie O’Toole for supplying the electricity for the public address and music on stage. |
| Viewing Platform Fr. Howard PP Rev. Lester Scott Cllr. John Murphy Cllr. Willie Quinn Cllr. Charlie Murphy | MC Marty Barry |
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