Ballon/Rathoe - Parade a big success in Ballon

BALLON'S 17th St. Patrick's Day Parade was held in ideal weather conditions and the street was lined with spectators to watch the participating floats, trade vehicles, vintage machinery and walking groups.

The general opinion was that the parade was back to its best this year with the return of comedy, mainly supplied by Dalton's Pub, Tullow, helping in no small way to form that opinion. However, on the negative side there was little interest shown by the village traders with very few businesses participating.

The parade started at The Land League Gates and led by a lone piper passed a reviewing stand in the village before turning at Ballykealey Lane to return through the village. On the stand were Cllrs. John Pender and P.J. Kavanagh. Seamus Cummins was Master of Ceremonies while a band provided traditional music.