A Town in Tipperary St Patrick's parade set for Saturday amid controversy over date change

The Cashel St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has expressed its gratitude to local businesses that have already pledged support for this year’s celebrations.

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Preparations for the parade are well underway, with numerous community groups and organisations confirmed to take part, promising a larger and more vibrant event than in previous years.

The committee is encouraging any remaining clubs, groups, or businesses to join, noting that entry is free and open to all.

The 2026 parade will take place on Saturday, 14 March. The committee emphasised that the date, which does not clash with other parades in the region, provides an ideal opportunity for bands, floats, and organisations to participate in Cashel’s festivities.

“Our aim is to bring even more music, colour, and spectacle to the streets of Cashel,” the statement said. Clubs, community organisations, schools, and businesses are all invited to enter, with attractive prizes on offer for participants.

Entry forms can be requested by emailing cashelstpatricksdayparade@gmail.com.

Entertainment will begin on the Plaza from 2.00pm, leading into the parade at 4.30pm. The committee assured residents that the event will take place with ample daylight and confirmed that An Garda Síochána will provide additional support to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

“We are asking the people of Cashel and the surrounding areas to come out, show their support, and help make this a vibrant and memorable celebration,” the committee added.

The announcement follows earlier concerns from the Cashel Chamber of Commerce regarding proposed changes to the parade.

The Chamber had criticised suggestions to hold the parade on a Saturday evening, move it away from its traditional setting at St Patrick’s Rock, and organise it in a way that encouraged visitors to leave the town.

The Chamber described these proposals as “anti-family, anti-business, and anti-Cashel town.”

The Chamber had consulted local schools and clubs, reporting that children under 10 preferred the parade to remain on St Patrick’s Day and within the safer environment of St Patrick’s Rock.

“A Saturday evening parade raises child safety concerns, particularly in low-light conditions,” the statement said. It also noted that older residents, families, and community groups would be less able to attend an evening event and questioned the logic of encouraging people to leave the town on a national holiday.

Despite these objections, the Parade Committee has confirmed the 14 March date.

In its January 30 press release, the committee described itself as a voluntary, community-led group with an open-door policy for new members and stewards.

It said it was disappointed by what it called “premature commentary” from the Chamber but expressed a desire to move forward collaboratively.

The parade route will begin on the Cahir Road at Dura Beds, proceed along Cahir Road, Boherclough, Lowergate, and Main Street, and finish at the Friar Street roundabout.

Saturday’s timing is intended to allow participation from bands, floats, and organisations from surrounding towns. The 2026 parade theme is “RADIO-ACTIVE,” celebrating 100 years of public broadcasting in Ireland.

The committee also confirmed that the parade will honour the late Wally Ryan, the long-serving treasurer who passed away on 28 January. A new annual award, The Wally Ryan Perpetual Trophy, will recognise the overall first-place winner each year.

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