Super volunteer and community activist Margaret Cooper is honoured to be Grand Marshal for today’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Gorey. Pic: Christy Farrell.

Large crowds are expected to turn out today for the traditional St. Patrick’s Day parades across the country, with one of the biggest parades taking place down Gorey’s spacious Main Street and setting out from the ’98 monument at 3 p.m.

Gorey knows how to rev-up the atmosphere of St Patrick’s Day and it is a special day for the townspeople and the visitors who are always afforded a warm North Wexford welcome.

It is a particularly special day for well-loved local volunteer, fundraiser and supporter of a number of the Gorey’s organisations and activities, Margaret Cooper, will play a leading role in her honoured position as Grand Marshal.

The parade will be led by St. Michael’s Pipe Band, Tallaght Youth Band, Sona Samba and Bloco Gorman with a musical interlude as the crowds gather and take up vantage positions.

Commercial interests, community groups and sports clubs will participate in the parade, as will a number of vintage cars.

The guest viewing stand is on Esmonde Street and prize-giving for best floats and the windows competition will be presented afterwards.

Tommy Halpin, a local businessman and a popular member of the community, will wear the Grand Marshal sash and bask in the honour of leading the Coolgreany Parade, which gets under way at 12.30 p.m.

The rural village parade will set out from the Gorey end of the village, will be led by the Arklow Pipe Band, and will march up the hill, along the Main Street to Gardiner Grain.

Around 30 floats are anticipated, prizes will be on offer, and the judges include rugby player, Stephen Gardiner; Ann Nuzum from Ballykilty, and Con O’Driscoll from Knockgreany.

Mrs Pat Sheppard, who is a popular local resident and who will be the ‘birthday girl’ on the day has received the present of being Grand Marshal at the Carnew Parade, which starts at 2 p.m.