Littleton pupils who interviewed President Higgins to lead St Patrick’s Day parade

Four Primary school students from St Kevin’s National School in Littleton who recently interviewed President Michael D Higgins and started the no homework debate are to lead County Tipperary’s first Saint Patrick’s Day Parade this year.

Littleton NS pupils Leah Hartigan, Jack Delaney, Gemma Doherty and Michael O’Reilly will lead the Moycarkey-Borris Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Littleton.

Preparations for the Parade, which takes place at 10.30am on Sunday, March 17, thus making it the first Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the county on the feast of our patron saint.

Speaking this week to the Tipperary Star Parade chairman, Cllr Sean Ryan said:

“We are delighted to honour these four students at what will be our 25th Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the village of Littleton.
“These students represented our village so well when they were chosen by RTE to interview the President of Ireland Mr Michael D Higgins to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the RTE children’s news show.

“Their interview with the President made national headlines and started a nationwide debate on the merits of primary school students getting homework’’.

Cllr Ryan said that the hard-working organising committee had been working for a number of weeks to ensure everything will be in order for March 17.

“Stephanie Durrack and all her team from The Community Employment scheme have organised all the signage and bunting in Littleton village.

“All floats and participants are welcome to enter in advance or register on the day and there is no fee for participants.
This year’s winning entry will receive €250, and we have several other monetary prizes and trophies to be won.

“We have a number of categories with special trophies and prizes,” said Cllr Ryan.

 Ryan said four independent judges will also be present on the day namely, Jim Finn, PJ Harrington, Eibhlin Nevin and Martina Stapleton.

“There will also be a committee special prize for which the winner will receive the perpetual Pat Houlihan Memorial trophy in honour of the late Pat Houlihan, who was synonymous with the parade for many years until he passed away in 2012.

“A special collection will also take place on the day in aid of the Moycarkey-Coolcroo Athletic Club,” said Cllr Ryan.
Parade MC’s Joe Kirwin and Tommy Healy will be on duty again.

John Cummins from Blackcastle Farm in Two Mile Borris will take on the role of Ireland’s Patron Saint on the day.
All Parade posters are once again sponsored by Lar Devane and Troy Marketing.

The committee also extends their sincere thanks to local Gardai Mark Conway and Chris Verling for all their help and advice, as well as O’Dwyer Transport and the Muintir Na Tire Hall for making their facilities available.

The Parade, which always proves to be a great day out for families commences on Friday, March 17 at 10.30am in Littleton and will conclude by lunchtime.

Teas, coffee, hot soup and cakes will be served in the Muintir Na Tire Hall after the parade as a fundraiser by the Moycarkey-Borris Ladies football club and Camogie Club.

A special night where all the prizes will be presented will take place in Darmody’s Pub in Littleton later in March when all prizes will be presented.