Lá Fhéile Pádraig

March 2010

As 2010 celebrates the International Year of Biodiversity a theme of ‘Our Nature’ had been chosen. Certainly, the diversity of nature is all around Loughrea and was celebrated in various ways. Paidí Ó Lionáird, TG4, returned to Loughrea as an excellent M.C. for the festivities keeping the crowd in fine humour.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann provided the music from the stage as more than fifty public and business groups took part in the celebrations. It is believed that this was one of the biggest parades for years.
Coiste Fhéile Pádraig would like to thank their sponsors; Gaeilge Locha Riach, Coiste Ghlór na nGael, Loughrea Town Council, Loughrea Smarter Travel initiative, Comhar Creidmheasa Naomh Breandáin and Kearys’ Auctioneering and Insurance.
Special thanks also to Gardaí and Loughrea Civil Defence for stewarding the parade.

Of course, the Coiste is particularly grateful to all participants and appreciate the fact that everyone got involved. Each group participating were presented with a plaque, to show that everyone was a winner. Also, each group that promoted ‘smarter travel’ were presented with a special certificate from Galway County Council.

A Great Day for the Stars in Loughrea

March 2009

This years St. Patrick’s Day’s festivities in Loughrea aimed to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy as a theme of ‘stars’had been chosen. Certainly, Baile Locha Riach had its fair share of local stars that twinkled during the spotlight of the parade.

Of course, there was a special emphasis on the use of ‘Gaeilge’ as it was proven that the whole community could appreciate their ‘cúpla focail’ on the country’s national holiday.

TG4 presenter, Paidí Ó Lionaird was M.C. on the occasion and helped to keep the crowd entertained with his wit and humour
A few of Loughrea’s special sport stars were honoured as grand marshalls for the day; Iggy Clarke being a GAA 4 all-star winner in hurling, Terese Maher local camógaíocht star and ‘Fortuna’ local greyhound that won Irish Grand Oaks in Clonmel last month. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann played a number of fine tunes on stage while the crowd enjoyed the fine weather.

Since the event was organized to celebrate the whole community’s achievements in mind, it was decided to present each group that participated with a trophy. In other words everyone was a winner on the day and 50 plaques were presented to each group as they passed.
As proceedings came to a close, Gabriel Burke, (Mayor of Loughrea and also representing the local credit union) presented ‘Bernard’ to the best window display ‘as Gaeilge’ to Loughrea Motor factors. This competition was organized by Gaeilge Locha Riach.