The launch of Roscommon Town Easter Parade 2023 took place in Murray’s Pub, Castle Street, Roscommon town on Wednesday evening (March 8th).
There is great excitement brewing ahead of this year’s parade, which takes place for the first time on Easter Monday (April 10th) at 2.30 pm.
The decision to move this year’s parade to Easter Monday was taken to avoid a clash with the Connacht Senior Football Championship game between Roscommon and Mayo in Castlebar on Easter Sunday.
The committee took the decision to switch to Monday as both events are family-friendly and as the Easter Parade is one of the biggest family days of the year in Roscommon town, they did not want families to have to make a choice between supporting the Rossies or attending the parade!
On Easter Monday, there will be live music from Lady Betty from 1 pm, and the Easter Parade will then start at 2.30 pm sharp. The parade will feature marching bands, the Garda Mounted Support unit, live performers, children’s amusements, and plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
The committee announced that the theme for this year’s parade is ‘Proud Rossies’ – a reflection on the decision to move the parade on Easter Monday in order to support our senior football team.
Following on from last year, the committee is again waiving the fee for any voluntary or community group to enter the parade.
As in previous years, the committee is inviting community and voluntary groups and businesses to enter floats in the parade. There are awards on the day, generously sponsored again this year by Michael and Rita Oates of ETL. Prizes include: Best Overall, Best Community/Voluntary, Best Business, Best ‘Proud Rossie’ themed entry. Keep an eye on ‘Roscommon Easter Parade’ on social media to see one more special prize on the day!
The parade committee is made up of volunteers and there is a huge amount of work required to host the parade itself. The festival this year is part-funded by Roscommon County Council. This festival is also funded by a Roscommon LEADER Partnership grant. The committee also rely on support and donations made by local businesses in Roscommon town and its environs, which the committee are extremely grateful for.
If you would like to be involved in one of the biggest days of the year in Roscommon town, whether to enter a float for your community/voluntary group or business, give a donation towards costs or to help out on the day, please contact any of the executive officers: Larry Brennan (Down The Hatch) 085-1743871, JJ Cattigan 087-8512503, Patricia Mullaney (The Red Parrot) 087-2117749, and Caitlin McConn 086-0859275.
