Tipperary hurling heroes to lead local parade this St Patrick's Day

Tipperary All-Ireland Senior hurling winners Rhys Shelly and Kieran Cummins are to lead the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Littleton next week.

Preparations for the Parade which takes place at 10:30am on Tuesday March 17, thus making it the first Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the county on the feast of our patron saint, are well underway.

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Speaking this week to the Tipperary Star, parade chairman, Cllr Sean Ryan said: "We are delighted to honour Rhys Shelly and Kieran Cummins who made a huge impact with the Tipperary Senior hurling team this year. It is 1971 since the Parish of Moycarkey-Borris won an All-Ireland Senior hurling Medal so Rhys and Kieran have brought great pride to the parish. None of us will forget the day the All-Ireland Champions stopped the bus in Littleton, and the two lads carried the Liam McCarthy Cup through the village. It was a special moment. Rhys is also the first All-Star from the Parish and gave a performance to remember in the All-Ireland Final’’.

Cllr Ryan added: "Last year we honoured Rhys' granny Margaret Shanahan as our Grand Marshal just weeks before she passed away so it is particularly fitting that Rhys is one of our Grand Marshal’s this year."

He added: "This will be our 28th Saint Patrick’s day Parade in the village of Littleton and we are very fortunate to have had some excellent parishioners over the years who have led the organisation of our parade."

In terms of organising the parade the theme of this year’s parade is 'The Year of Champions."

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

He added: "Stephanie Durrack and all her team from The Community Employment scheme have organised all the signage and bunting in Littleton village. Local Gardai Mark Conway and Chris Verling have all been liaising with the committee to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. 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 €300, and we have several other monetary prizes and trophies to be won. We have a number of categories with special trophies and prizes."

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In terms of the event on the day, Cllr Ryan said: "Three independent judges will also be present on the day namely Jim Finn, PJ Harrington and Martina Stapleton. Eibhlin Nevin steps down from her role as a judge this to head up the Thurles Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and the committee extend their best wishes to her."

Cllr Ryan also confirmed that 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 parade for many years until he passed away in 2012.

The parade in Littleton is also partnered with Moycarkey-Borris Camoige and Ladies football Club who will host a cake sale fundraiser in the Muintir Na Tire Hall in Littleton from 12pm on the day.

A special bucket collection will also take place on the day in aid works for St Kevin’s National School in Littleton.