Shamrock Rovers star Lee Grace will be grand marshal of Carrick-on-Suir's St Patrick's Day Parade

Carrick-on-Suir people are being called on to don the shamrock on Sunday and turn out in force to watch the town’s St Patrick’s Day parade that will be led by Shamrock Rovers defender Lee Grace.

The local soccer star, who started out with Carrick United FC , has been chosen as the grand marshal of the parade that will depart from the Sean Healy Library Car Park next to the Fair Green at 1pm on March 17.

Carrick-on-Suir’s St Patrick's Day Parade Committee said they were delighted to announce Lee as the pageant’s grand Marshal.

The honour has been bestowed on the Carrick man just three months after he was named as Shamrock Rovers’ Senior Player of the Year after the side won its fourth FAI Premier Division title in a row.

“He has proved to be a really popular choice with all our community,” said St Patrick’s Parade Committee member Eddie Reade.

“Lee is a quiet unassuming young man off the field, who frequently gives his time to assist the younger generation coming through in his old stomping grounds at Carrick United’s Tom Drohan Park.”

Carrick-on-Suir and district’s sports, social, music, dance, cultural clubs and community organisations are gearing up for the parade this week.

Cllr David Dunne of Carrick St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee said about 15 groups are taking part in the parade so far and entries will be taken up to and including the morning of the parade.

“Hopefully we will get a good fine day for the parade. We are encouraging local groups to put their best foot forward and take part. It’s free advertising.”

Cllr Dunne revealed there will be a special surprise street entertainment entry in the parade, which the Committee hopes will be a big highlight for spectators.

He advised entrants to be at the start point at least half and hour before the parade commences.

And he appealed to the people of the town and district to turn out in large numbers to support the event.

The parade will travel up New Street once it departs from the Library Car Park and then proceed down Main Street through the West Gate and down Kickham Street before turning onto the N24 and finishing back at the Library Car Park.

Carrick Brass Brand will 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.

The best parade entry will be awarded the Cathleen Fahey Memorial Cup in memory of Carrick-on-Suir St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee member, Cathleen Fahey, who passed away two years ago.

Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Kieran Bourke will present the cup to the winner.

Meanwhile, Carrick-on-Suir Business Association is running a St Patrick’s Day themed best shop window display competition to help get the people of the town in the spirit of celebrating our national saint’s day. A prize of €200 will be awarded to the best window display.