Clonmel personality Super Mario retires his pram from St. Patrick's Day parade

Well known Clonmel personality Martin Veale is retiring his pram from the town’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Martin, popularly known as Super Mario, has been a regular feature of the parades in recent years with his colourfully bedecked pram.

He generally has a different theme for each year.

He will be taking part again on Saturday – but it will be for the last time.

“I’m giving up on doctor’s advice as I find it more difficult to walk”, he says.

But he plans to go out with a special float this year.

“It will be full of colour and flags”, says Martin who always gets a huge welcome from the spectators lining the streets.

And despite a poor forecast for the national holiday, Martin isn’t too worried about the weather. “I have snow and rain gear if needed”, he says.

Martin also uses the pram to sell holly at Christmas so it's used to winter weather.

The pram has been in his family for years, but he always keeps it well oiled and ready for St. Patrick’s Day.

He is sad to bring the curtain down on his participation in the parade but expects a great welcome from the spectators as he takes his last procession down Irishtown, O’Connell Streeet, Gladstone Street and on to the reviewing stand in Parnell Street.