Boxing champ, Chantelle Robinson, is grand marshal of Carrick-on-Suir's St Patrick's Day Parade

Chantelle Robinson (centre) pictured after winning the All-Ireland U22 women's boxing title (picture source St Saviour's Crystal Boxing Club Facebook) 

Carrick-on-Suir’s newly crowned All-Ireland U22 women’s boxing champion, Chantelle Robinson, will be the grand marshal of her hometown’s St Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday, March 17.

Eddie Reade, Secretary of Carrick’s St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, said the committee was honoured to have the talented Carrick-boxing star as the grand marshal.

He said the committee was also delighted to welcome street musician and entertainer Pat Power who will perform for parade spectators before and after the pageant.

The town and district’s sports, social, music, dance, cultural clubs and community organisations are gearing up to take part in the parade that will start from the Sean Healy Library Car Park at 1pm on March 17.

Cllr David Dunne of Carrick’s St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee said entries will be taken up to and including the morning of the parade. He advised entrants to be at the start point at least half and hour before the the parade commences.

Carrick Brass Brand will march and perform in the parade and there will be vintage cars and fire tenders from Carrick-on-Suir Fire Station while Carrick-on-Suir River Rescue will display their rescue boats.

Cllr Dunne said the parade theme is encouraging inclusivity towards refugees arriving to our country.

The best parade entry will be awarded the Cathleen Fahey Memorial Cup in memory of Carrick-on-on-Suir St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee member, Cathleen Fahey, who passed away last year. There will also be a special prize for the best dressed pet.

Cllr Dunne appealed to the people of Carrick and surrounding communities to turn out in force to watch the parade.

There will be a slight change to the parade route for some entries due to the ongoing N24 road works in the town.

The parade will travel up New Street once it departs from the Library Car Park and proceed down Main Street through the West Gate and down Kickham Street.

Once it reaches the N24, the large floats and vehicles will take the roadworks diversion route through Ard Mhuire to return to the Library Car Park. The rest of the parade entries will travel along the N24 to the finish point.

Cllr Dunne said it’s hoped to have a bouncy castle and facepainting for children at the Library Car Park after the parade.

The organising committee is looking for extra volunteers to steward at the parade due to the route change caused by the road works. He urged people attending the parade to park their cars in either New Street or William Street Car Parks.