Thousands throng Gorey’s Main Street for the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade. Pic: Christy Farrell.

It was billed as one of the biggest and most successful parades found anywhere in the country and the occasion lived up to expectations as thousands of people lined the long Main Street and poured into Esmonde Street for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

It was a music at the head of the parade with St. Michael’s Pipe Band, Tallaght Youth Band, Sona Samba and Bloco Garman combining a variety of acts from the traditional to the modern to stir up the multitudes.

This year’s Grand Marshal was Margaret Cooper, well-known and admired for her contribution to many organisations and causes in the town, was given a seat in a vintage car and enjoyed her day thoroughly.

Community interests, community groups and sports clubs, cartoon characters and vintage vehicles added colour and action to the occasion.

Michael Dwyer played a blinder in the role of master of ceremonies for the first time, deputising for Cllr Malcolm Byrne, who as chairman was representing Wexford County Council in New York.

The local Municipal District Council was well represented by Cllrs John Hegarty (chairman), Anthony Donohoe, Joe Sullivan, Pip Breen, Mary Farrell, Robbie Ireton and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin.

A spokesperson for the organising committee acknowledged the support of participants, sponsors and the public for turning out in such great numbers to make Gorey a parade to be proud of.

Successful parades also at Coolgreany and Carnew.

Full reports with extensive picture coverage in THE GOREY ECHO next week.