.Pictured at the launch of the America Ireland Chamber Report 2023 in Ireland House, New York Photi shows (l to r) John Griffin, KCC, Ms, Helena Nolan, Consul General of Ireland, Moire Murrell, ..Chief Eecutive, Kerry County Council, Tanaiste & MInister for Foreig Affairs, Michel Mrtin TD, Cllr. John Francus Flynn. Mayor of Kerry and Christy O’Connor. Director of Services, KCC.
THE Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. John Francis Flynn is continuing his public engagements in New York.
On Thursday he is due to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. He will pay his respects at the memorial commemorating the 2,996 people who died in the attack and meet relatives of firefighters who lost loved ones.
Later he will meet with members of the Kerry Association. Already he has met senior management of IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland North America and attended the launch by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheal Martin TD, of the American Ireland Business Chamber’s Report for 2023.
Continued below…
.
On St. Patrick’s Day he will attend Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Dalton and later accompany Ms. Patrice Buckley, President of the New York Kerry Association, in the annual parade down 5th Avenue.
The Mayor is accompanied by the Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, Director of Services, Christy O’Connor, and County Tourism Officer, John Griffin. Scroll down for photos…
Visiting IDA Head Office North America in New York. Photo shows (l to r) John Griffin, KCC, Patrick McGee, VP IDA, Engneering & Industrial Technologies, , Moira Murrell, Chief Executive, KCC, Mayor John Francis Flynn , Doireann Mooney, VPIDA Emerging Business, and Christy O’Connor. Director of Services, KCC..Visiting Tourism Ireland in New York. Photo shows (l to r) Fallon Griffin, Tourism Ireland, Mayor John Francis Flynn , Paul McDonagh, Manager Trade & Engagements, Tourism Ireland, Moira Murrell, Chief Executive, KCC, Hannah Cahill, Tourism Ireland, Christy O’Connor, KCC and John Griffin, County Tourism Officer.Joan Henchy, originally from Tarbert (centre) who was honoured by the Mayor of Kerry Cllr. John Francis Flynn for her work in leading the redevelopment of Gaelic Park, which has strong Kerry associations. Photo show Moira Murrell, Cllr. John Francis Flynn, Joan Hench, Patrice Buckley, President, Kerry Association New York and Eileen Collins..
.Minister Foley with Special Envoy Joe Kennedy III at the Ireland Day Leadership Breakfast hosted by Ireland INC at the New York Stock Exchange.
THE Minister for Education and Kerry T.D Norma Foley has visited Philadelphia and New York as part of the Government’s St Patrick’s Day programme of events.
During a week of events and speaking engagements in the United States, Minister Foley took the opportunity also to visit local education facilities and education partnerships.
Minister Foley attended the Ireland Day Leadership Breakfast at the New York Stock Exchange where she met with Special Envoy Joe Kennedy and Congressman Richie Neal and discussed the breakthrough Windsor Framework.
Continued below…
.
Later that morning the Minister took part in the 11th annual ‘Ireland Day’ Opening Bell Ceremony alongside Special Envoy Kennedy, Congressman Neal and members of the Ireland INC business network.
The Minister also met with a host of leaders in the business sector including Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, IBEC, UNICEF Ireland and SelectUSA.
Minister Foley meets Roses at the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday.
Over the course of the New York mission Minister Foley took the opportunity to visit Yonkers Montessori Academy where she met with students and toured the school facilities.
The Minister also met with with members of Kerry Association in New York and visited the Irish Arts Center.
Prior to visiting New York, the Minister held a number of engagements in Philadelphia which included representing Ireland at the St Patrick’s Day parade, a roundtable discussion on Irish-US education and sports and culture initiatives.
Minister Foley said: “I am truly honoured to represent Ireland as part of the Government’s St Patrick’s Day programme of events, visiting two cities, New York and Philadelphia, which are steeped in Irish history.
Minister Foley with Congressman Richard (Richie) Neal at the Ireland Day Leadership Breakfast hosted by Ireland INC at the New York Stock Exchange.
“I particularly enjoyed rich discussions with many young people both in Philadelphia and New York who eloquently expressed what being Irish means to them in 21st century America and explored potential for future US/Irish education and business initiatives.
“It is imperative that the Irish Government uses its platform on our national holiday to highlight Ireland’s strong, cultural, economic and historical ties with the United States and to emphasise our support for the Windsor Agreement,” she added.
Continued below…
.
“Throughout my visit I was struck by the place the homeland of Ireland holds for many first and second generation Irish immigrants now settled in America. As we move ever closer to a global community the bonds of friendship that tie the Irish/American communities together have never been stronger and it remains a key objective of this Government to continue to foster, nurture and ennoble these connections.”
“A particular personal highlight of the trip was the opportunity to meet with so many of the Kerry diaspora at the Kerry Hall in Yonkers and a number of former Rose of Tralee contestants at events throughout the week,” said Minister Foley.
Minister Foley addressing the Ireland INC Opening Bell discussion event at the New York Stock Exchange..
THE Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Francis Flynn, will travel to the United States this week for a number of engagements to mark St. Patrick’s Day.
Cllr Flynn will meet with representatives of the American Ireland Chamber on Tuesday evening and will meet with Tourism Ireland North America and the IDA North America on Wednesday. He will also visit and lay a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial in New York.
On St Patrick’s Day, Cllr Flynn will attend a St Patrick’s Day event hosted by the Mayor of New York, Eric Adams and New York City Council at the mayor’s residence, Gracie Mansion.
Continued below…
.
He will then join the New York Kerry Association for the St Patrick’s Day Parade on Fifth Avenue.
‘I look forward to this important opportunity to meet with key organisations in New York and to promote Kerry as an attractive business and tourism destination. It will be a great honour to join the Kerry Association and represent the people of Kerry at the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade.
‘The annual international focus on Ireland is a tremendous opportunity to promote the country and the county and I look forwarding to meeting with key agencies who are working to promote investment in and travel to Ireland,’ said Cllr Flynn.
Cllr Flynn will be accompanied in New York by the Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell and the Kerry County Council Tourism Officer, John Griffin.
.Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Jimmy Moloney meets Governor of New York Kathy Hochul in Albany.
The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney, is continuing his visit to New York following a warm welcome from New York Governor Kathy Hochul in the State Capitol in Albany.
The Governor, whose grandparents on both sides (Courtney and Brown) hailed from The Maharees, is immensely proud of her Kerry heritage and in a citation presented to the Mayor stated: “Although I may be an ocean away, the Kerry spirit remains ingrained in who I am today”.
Continued below…
.
The Mayor presented the Governor with a ‘sea green bowl’ by Colleen Bowler, handcrafted in Castlegregory, and a section of the Valentia Trans- Atlantic Cable (1866-1966), mounted on Valentia Slate by David Howard, that once linked Kerry to Newfoundland and on to New York.
Later today, Mayor Moloney will join New York Firefighters of Kerry descent to lay a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero, attend a breakfast meeting with the Mayor of New York, Eric Adams, attend St. Patrick’s Day Mass and walk with President Patrice Buckley and members of the Kerry Association down Fifth Avenue in the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The visit continues tomorrow (Friday) with economic and tourism promotion engagements.
The Mayor is guest of honour at the Annual New York Kerry Association Annual Dinner Dance in the Kerry Hall in Yonkers on Friday night. It is the first time in three years that the get-together is taking place. He returns to Ireland on Saturday.
THE Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney, will travel to the United States next week for a number of engagements during the St. Patrick’s Day period.
He begins his official visit at the weekend by travelling to Listowel’s Sister City of Shawnee in Kansas where he will dedicate the new Listowel Park.
He will review the Shawnee St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday with Mayor Michelle Distler and meet members of Shawnee Chamber of Commerce, council members, State Representatives and the ‘Visit Shawnee’ Tourism Group.
Continued below…
.
Cllr Moloney will be in New York on Monday next for an evening meeting hosted by the American Ireland Chamber of Commerce in the Irish Consulate.
The New York leg includes meetings with IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland, and an official visit to the Ellis Island Memorial Park in New York Harbour as a guest of the Ellis Island Foundation’s President, Mr. Jesse Brackenberry.
Here more than 3.5 million Irish immigrants were processed during its 63 years in operation from 1891 to 1954.
On St. Patrick’s Day, the Cathaoirleach will attend a breakfast event with the new Mayor of New York, Mr. Eric Adams, at his residence in Gracie Mansion.
He will also lay a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial with members of the New York Fire Department of Kerry descent and attend Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
He will later join members of the Kerry Association and Kerry Pipers on the traditional parade down 5th Avenue and attend a meeting of Irish diaspora groups hosted by Minister Eamon Ryan at the Irish Consulate.
On Friday 18 March, Cllr Moloney will attend a tourism briefing co-hosted by Tourism Ireland and Shannon Airport for the Tri State Travel Trade which features Kerry.
That evening he will attend the Annual Kerry Association Dinner in Yonkers. He will be accompanied in the US by John Griffin, County Tourism Officer.
.Mayor Terry O’Brien in the video which can be viewed below.
HAPPY St Patrick’s Day!
Like last year, we can’t celebrate it properly due to COVID restrictions, but Kerry County Council has come up with something special for all to enjoy, whether you’re at home or abroad.
In a video just uploaded to the Council’s social media channels, you can join the annual Denny Street MCs Sean Lyons and Mike O’Donnell along with over 40 participants as they present special videos put together by Bryan Carr especially for the Parade.
The video features representatives from statutory bodies, local Guides, Brownies, sports clubs, primary and post-primary schools along with charities, civic and business organisations as well as marching bands and performing arts groups.
Continued below…
.
It also features global greetings and messages of hope from frontline healthcare providers who are the honorary Grand Marshals for the 2021 Parade, it’s definitely worth a watch below…
THE Council has been asked to liaise with business owners and the people of Tralee to go green this St Patrick’s Day in the absence of the traditional parade which can’t go ahead for the second year in a row due to COVID restrictions.
Cllr Johnnie Wall had a motion before the online meeting of Tralee Municipal District this morning that, to make St Patricks Day seem somewhat normal, the Council would request the traders/people of Tralee to go green and to ‘colour’ the County Buildings, the water fountain, St John’s Spire and anything else that can look green.
He said people in the housing estates should put out green flags, shopfronts should go green to give people a lift and he also suggested a ‘virtual tour of the town’ to show off people’s efforts.
Continued below…
.
In reply, Tralee Municipal District said that, similar to previous years, it intends to light up in green key iconic buildings in the town centre.
Mayor of Tralee, Terry O’Brien, said he had spoken to Tralee MD officer Jean Foley and Tralee MD Manager Michael Scannell about the matter and they are coming up with plans to mark St Patricks Day.
THE Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council has begun a visit to the United States as part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Cllr Niall Kelleher will promote the county and meet with US agencies, politicians and officials during a number of meetings and events in Chicago and New York.
Cllr Kelleher will hold meetings on Thursday with Mr Paul Veale, Territory Director of the IDA and other senior IDA officials at their officers in Chicago and will also visit the Irish American Heritage Centre in the city. He is also scheduled to meet members of the Chicago Rose of Tralee Committee.
Continued below…
.
On Friday, the Cathaoirleach will hold meetings with the Irish American Partnership and will be part of a high-level presentation on Kerry tourism at an event hosted by Tourism Ireland for the Chicago Trade and Travel Press.
He will also be a guest at a St Patrick’s Day reception hosted by the Irish Fellowship Club in Chicago and will participate in the St Patrick’s Day Parade in the city on Saturday.
In New York, Cllr Kelleher will visit the 9/11 Memorial and meet New York firefighters of Kerry descent.
On Tuesday, he will join Mayor of New York Bill de Blasio at the Gracie Mansion for the annual St Patrick’s Day Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral and will walk with the Kerry Patriotic and Benevolent Association in the parade on Fifth Avenue.
“This is a very important opportunity to represent and promote Kerry at a series of engagements,” said Cllr Kelleher.
“Every St Patrick’s Day, there is an unparalleled focus on Ireland across the US and it is essential that Kerry make its voice heard during this important period. As we face into what may well be a challenging period for tourism and the economy in the wake of coronavirus it is more important than ever that we promote and market the county abroad. 40 percent of overseas visitors to Kerry are from the United States so maintaining links with that market is critical.”
Cllr Kelleher will also be involved in a number of other informal engagements and meetings with Irish-American groups, business leaders and politicians. He is accompanied in the United States by the Kerry County Council Tourism Officer, Mr John Griffin.
WITH less than two weeks until the St Patrick’s Day Parade many are looking forward to a noisy and colourful extravaganza of entertainment.
However, for people with autism, the parade can be distressing. Because of this, there will be a sensory path for children/families with autism and additional needs this year.
This will be outside St John’s Church and it will be a quiet space. Music and noise will be turned down when passing this area to help ensure the parade is enjoyed by all. It’s all part of the efforts to make Tralee an autism friendly town.
.Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council – Cllr John Sheahan.
THE Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Sheahan will attend a number of events in New York this weekend to mark the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Cllr Sheahan will take part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade on Fifth Avenue on Saturday and will attend a breakfast hosted by the Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio. He will also meet with tourism and economic leaders in the city.
Continued below…
.
Commenting ahead of his visit to the United States, Cllr Sheahan said: “With the focus of the US leadership and the US media on Ireland over the course of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, this is a wonderful opportunity to promote Kerry. It is also a great opportunity to reach out the Kerry diaspora in the US. I look forward in particular to discussions with the IDA and Tourism Ireland to emphasise the recent developments in tourism and economic development in Kerry.”
“It is an honour as the first citizen of Kerry to represent the county at these important events and to have this opportunity to promote the county abroad,” he added.
Cllr Sheahan, who will be accompanied by Kerry County Council’s Tourism Officer, John Griffin, will travel to the US on Thursday and return on Monday.
Cllr Sheahan will fly to New York on Thursday,. On Friday he will visit the 9/11 Memorial,greeted by Mr Jerry Leary, Head of Security, who has Kenmare heritage.
He will lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Kerry at Memorial site. He will meet with members of the New York Fire Department of Kerry descent and Mr Frank O’Keeffe, National President of the Emerald Societies of America (also current President of the Kerry Association, New York).
On Saturday he will attend a breakfast for visiting dignitaries hosted by the Mayor of New York, Hon. Bill de Blasio, at his home, Gracie Mansion.
He will then attend St Patrick’s Day Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral. Afterwards he will join Mr. Frank O’Keeffe, President, Kerry Patriotic & Benevolent Association, to lead the Association in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade down Fifth Avenue.
He will then attend a St. Patrick’s Day Reception for visiting Irish dignitaries hosted by visiting Irish Minister at the Irish Consulate.
On Monday, he will meet Ms Alison Metcalfe, Head, Tourism Ireland, North America and senior management team at Ireland House for briefing on What’s New in Kerry Tourism.
He also has a meeting with Mr Emmanuel Dowdall, Executive VP/Director North America, IDA Ireland in Ireland House and later with Mr. Ciarán Madden, Consul General of Ireland, New York, before departing home to Kerry.
.Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael O’Shea. Photo by Dominick Walsh
THE Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael O’Shea will attend a number of engagements in New York and Boston next week as part of a St Patrick’s Day visit to the United States.
Cllr O’Shea will attend a breakfast hosted by the Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio and meet with the Mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh.
He will also have a number of meetings with senior civic, business, tourism and political leaders as well as representatives of the Irish community in the US.
Continued below…
.
Cllr O’Shea, who will be accompanied by Kerry County Council’s Tourism Officer, John Griffin, will walk with the Kerry Patriotic and Benevolent Association in the St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York on 17 March.
The Kerry County Council delegation will meet with the Director of the IDA in North America and the Head of Tourism Ireland in North America, as well as the Permanent Irish Representative to the UN to discuss the Valentia Cable Project bid for UNESCO world heritage status.
Speaking ahead of the week-long visit, Cllr O’Shea said he was honoured as the first citizen of Kerry to represent the county and the Council at events during a period when there is so much focus in the United States on Ireland and the Irish Diaspora.
“St Patrick’s Day gives us a great opportunity to engage with key players in business, tourism and economic development in the United States. At a time when County Kerry is looking for every opportunity to promote the county overseas as a destination to live in and do business, there is no substitute for engaging directly with key leaders and representatives in the US, a country which has contributed so much to economic development and tourism in Kerry,” he said.
“I look forward to my many engagements with figures from the UN, the Irish Consul General, the president of the Irish American Partnership, Mary Sugrue, who is from Caherciveen, and education representatives with a view to enhancing educational links between Kerry and institutions in the US,” he added.
.Rick and Ryan Leonard with Ciara Drummey, Jayden Breen and Amy Scanlon at CBS Primary School, Tralee. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony
TRALEE basketball legend, Rick Leonard has been unveiled as the Grand Marshal for the 2017 St Patrick’s Day Parade in Tralee, with the theme: A Celebration of Tralee Sport.
Local community groups and organisations, as well as clubs, schools and businesses are invited to take part in what is always a fantastic day of celebration and entertainment.
The parade, which also marks the end of the year-long Tralee 800th celebrations, will get underway at 12pm sharp on Friday March 17, and will travel from John Joe Sheehy Road through Boherbee, onto Castle Street before finishing on Denny Street.
Continued below…
.
The Chairman of the Tralee St Patrick’s Day Organising Committee, Johnnie Wall, said: “It was fitting that we should choose a sporting theme for this year’s parade with so many sporting events involving Tralee people over that weekend – Kerry versus Dublin at Austin Stack Park, Tralee’s Ultan Dillane in action for Ireland against England and around 1000 athletes will line up for the Tralee International Marathon on Saturday 18, while Garvey’s Tralee Warriors will pay Eagles on Sunday 19.
He continued, “The St Patrick’s Day Parade in Tralee – Ireland’s Best Large Tourism Town – is a fun occasion for all the family. In looking forward to welcoming back everyone who took part in last year’s showpiece, we hope to welcome some new participants. We are delighted to feature Rick Leonard as our Grand Marshall. He has been at the heart of sporting life in Tralee for over two decades and he is a wonderful ambassador for the town.”
Once all the applications have been received, each participant will be given a slot number and the numbers will be displayed along the assembly area at the starting line on John Joe Sheehy Road.
Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories on the day – Most Colourful, Most Entertaining and Most Topical.
St Patrick’s Day Application forms are available from: Tralee Chamber Alliance, 18 Denny Street, Tralee as well as www.Tralee.ie and the Kerry County Council Offices in Princes Quay and Rathass, The Abbey Inn and the Tralee St Patrick’s Day Facebook Page.
.Lewis Hughes taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot Crean
IT was quite a day on Thursday as hundreds of people participated in the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Tralee.
The event really highlighted the community spirit in the town and clubs and societies were out in force to proudly display their colours.
In the last of our photo coverage, here’s some of the clubs, community groups and businesses involved in the parade…
Born To Run members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot Crean.Ladies promoting the Darkness Into Light event taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanAustin Stacks club members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot Crean.St John’s Pipe and Drum band members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanDefence force members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot Crean.Tralee Boxing Club members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanKielduff Brownies taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot Crean
John Mitchels GAA Club members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanTralee Imperials members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanTralee Together Special Olympics Club members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Tralee Equestrian Centre members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanCassie Leen Dance School members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanJoanne Barry dancers taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanChurchill GAA members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanSt Brendan’s Basketball Club members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanNa Gaeil club members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanKerins O’Rahillys club members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanTralee Triathlon club members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanSt Brendan’s Park FC club members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot Crean‘Generation Integration’ taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanOakview Village Childcare taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot CreanBallymac GAA club members taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Dermot Crean
WITH St. Patrick’s Day and the 1916 centenary on everyone’s mind of late, the girls over at ‘Social Box TV’ tested the people of Tralee on their basic Irish skills.
They put forward words like ‘airgead’, ‘arán’, ‘amadán’ to people on the streets during Seachtain Na Gaeilge to see if they could translate them. See how they got on here…
.A colourful participant in the parade. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE weather was kind again this year as thousands came out in the sunshine for the annual St Patrick’s Day parade in Tralee.
Centred around the theme of Tralee’s 800th anniversary, the parade saw hundreds of people from clubs, community groups and businesses take part as it got underway at around 12.20pm and finished up at around 1.30pm.
Grand Marshall this year was Special Olympics Gold Medal Winner, Brendan O’Connell, from Tralee, who led the way and we got a running commentary of what was happening from dynamic duo of Sean Lyons from the stage on Denny Street and Mike O’Donnell interviewing participants on the ground.
There were some colourful floats too among the parade of bands and clubs. The Red Cross, Tralee Bay Wetlands, Tidy Towns and Tralee Filipino Community were just a few that stood out and judges will award prizes in a number of categories for Most Colourful, Most Entertaining and Most Topical/Current.
Over the 70 minutes, the parade showed the great community spirit in the town and showed what Tralee has to offer both visitors and residents alive. Scroll down for photos (we’ll have many, many more tomorrow)…
St Patrick meets his public at the parade. Photo by Dermot Crean.The Filipino Community went all out again this year. Photo by Dermot CreanBrendan O’Connell, Grand Marshal of the parade, with Aisling O’Connell. Photo by Dermot Crean.Showing the appropriate colours during the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanJoe Moynihan with the Tidy Tralee float. Photo by Dermot Crean.The Red Cross lads resuscitates a Kerry fan on their float. Photo by Dermot CreanCllr Norma Foley has a shot at fellow politicians Deputy John Brassil and Cllr Graham Spring courtesy of the Tralee Parnells. Photo by Dermot Crean.All aboard the Tralee Bay Sailing Club float. Photo by Dermot CreanGetting into the spirit of the day. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Sera Husky group taking part in the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanTime travelling knights having fun with the gardai during the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanRecalling the suffragette movement at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanTommy Collins of Save The Green taking part in the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanBernie Hayes gives a cuddle to the Tralee Imperials mascot while husband James (left) looks on. Photo by Dermot CreanTralee Bay Wetlands made an effort with their float. Photo by Dermot CreanA good way of promoting the Maurice Collins Memorial Vintage Day on Easter Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanTralee Rowing Club members taking part in the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanThe sun was out so this member of St John’s Pipe and Drum band needed to mind the eyes. Photo by Dermot CreanAki and Gretta O’Rourke at the parade. Photo by Dermot Crean
Loads more photos of people at the parade and clubs and community groups tomorrow…
.Mayor of Kerry Pat McCarthy and Mayor Jim Kenney of Philadelphia at the parade in Philadelphia.
THE Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Pat McCarthy is in the United States promoting Kerry during the course of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
On Sunday he attended Mass in St. Patrick’s Church and then joined Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney in the Philadelphia Parade which was watched by in excess of 200,000 people. He was interviewed live by FOX 29 TV channel and Irish TV in a special programme whic will be screened next weekend.
The Cathaoirleach, who is accompanied by John Griffin, Tourism Officer with Kerry County Council, met with former Philadelphia Rose of Tralee representatives and Councillman Bobby Hennon, Majority Leader in the Philadelphia City Council, in City Hall.
They discussed Philadelphia police and fire services participation in the Heroes Week Gathering of Emergency Services which will form part of the ‘Tralee 800’ celebrations in mid June.
Later Cllr McCarthy made a courtesy call to Sr. Pauline McShain, heir of the McShain Estate, whose family owned Killarney House and who bequeathed Ross Castle, Lough Leane and Innisfallen Island to the Irish State. Sr. Pauline, who is now approaching 90 years but in good health, asked him to convey her good wishes to people of Killarney and County Kerry.
The visit to Philadelphia concluded with a meeting and tourism presentation by John Griffin to the Philadelphia Travel trade jointly hosted with Tourism Ireland, American Airlines and Shannon Airport marketing.
American Airlines commence daily direct services from Philadelphia to Shannon in early May and Kerry tourism is set to benefit greatly from the service. Philadelphia is the preferred gateway for residents from the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, southern New Jersey and western Maryland which have a combined population in excess of 25 million, of whom 3 million claim Irish ancestry.
The Cathaoirleach is also due to visit Washington DC and will highlight the Valentia UNESCO project with US Chief Scientist and director of NOAA, Dr. Kathy Sullivan, whose ancestors hail from Lauragh near Kenmare.
On Thursday Cllr McCarthy will participate in the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade, attend meetings with a number of tourism and public officials and attend the New York Kerryman’s Association Annual Dinner on Saturday evening.
Mayor of Kerry, Pat McCarthy at a Destination Kerry Promotion in Philadelphia.
.Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Pat McCarthy.
THE Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Pat McCarthy will travel to the United States next week for a number of events to coincide with St Patrick’s Day.
Cllr Pat McCarthy will visit Philadelphia, Washington DC and New York. He will be accompanied by Tourism Officer with Kerry County Council, John Griffin.
Cllr McCarthy will meet with a number of senior political and community leaders and will partake in two St Patrick’s Day parades, one in Philadelphia and one in New York.
In Philadelphia he will attend a Destination Kerry tourism promotion with Pennsylvania Travel Trade jointly hosted with Tourism Ireland, American Airlines and Shannon Airport in advance of direct flights from Philadelphia to Shannon commencing in May.
He will also meet with the Mayor of Philadelphia and the Undersecretary of the US Department of Commerce as well as Tourism Ireland representatives in the US.
Speaking ahead of his departure, the Cathaoirleach said the visit presents a great opportunity to promote Kerry and discuss issues of concern to Kerry with senior figures.
“St Patrick’s Day presents a wonderful opportunity every year for the world to celebrate Ireland and Irishness. As chair of Kerry County Council I am looking forward to representing the county at a number of events in the US, which is, of course, home to so many Irish citizens and people from Kerry.
Cllr McCarthy said he will be discussing tourism with those involved in the sector at a number of events and looks forward to supporting the showcasing of the Irish and Kerry tourism markets.
“I also looking forward in particular to meetings with the Mayor of Philadelphia, the Undersecretary of the Department of Commerce in connection with the Valentia Cable UNESCO project, senior staff with Tourism Ireland, the Consul General of Ireland and the Kerry diaspora,” he said.
.Launching the Tralee St Patricks Day Parade were, from left. Sean Lyons, Michael Gaffney, Johnnie Wall, Frank Hartnett, Danny Leane and John Drummey. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THE 2016 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Tralee will be the most celebrated in the town’s history as the theme will be based around Tralee 800 – a celebration of the birthday of Kerry’s county capital.
The Grand Marshall this year will be Special Olympics Gold Medal Winner, Brendan O’Connell, from Tralee.
“We’re hoping that people taking part this year will do something that involves something that happened in Tralee over the last 800 years,” said Chairman of the Tralee St Patrick’s Day Organising Committee, Johnnie Wall.
Continued below…
.
Hundreds of people are expected to take part in the parade and local community groups and organisations, as well as clubs, schools and businesses are invited to take part in what is always a fantastic day of celebration and entertainment.
“This year is a historic year in Tralee for a number of reasons – it’s our 800th anniversary, it’s the centenary of the 1916 Rising and our Rose of Tralee International Festival is being extended from five to seven days,” said Johnnie.
“In looking forward to welcoming back everyone who took part in last year’s showpiece, we hope to welcome some new participants. We are delighted to feature Brendan O’Connell as our Grand Marshall. He has, along with all the local Special Olympians, represented his town, county and country with dignity and pride,” he said.
The parade will get underway at 12pm sharp on Thursday, March 17 and will travel from John Joe Sheehy Road through Boherbee, onto Castle Street before finishing on Denny Street.
Each participant will be given a slot number once all applications are received and the numbers will be displayed along the assembly area at the starting line on John Joe Sheehy Road.
Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories on the day – Most Colourful, Most Entertaining and Most Topical/Current.
The entertainment will continue in The Square throughout the afternoon with a Céilí and Traditional Music with Eileen Daly and Mike O’Shea followed by more live until late afternoon.
Johnnie Wall thanked Kerry County Council, Tralee Chamber Alliance, the St Patrick’s Day Committee, Publicans and the Volunteers who play a major role in ensuring that the spectators and participants will have a memorable day.
St Patrick’s Day Application forms are available from: Tralee Chamber Alliance, 18 Denny Street, Tralee as well as www.Tralee.ie, Tralee Town Hall, The Abbey Inn and the new Tralee St Patrick’s Day Facebook Page.
The completed forms must be returned by Friday 4th March to either:
· Tralee Chamber Alliance, 18 Denny Street, Tralee or
· Kerry County Council Tralee Municipal District, Princes Quay, Tralee (former Tralee Town Council) or
· Email johnniewall@eircom.net
For more information, contact Johnnie Wall on 087 2335846.
Accepting their award for ‘Most Artistic Float’ from members of the St Patrick’s Day Parade committee – Danny Leane and Johnnie Wall – were members of the Tralee Filipino Community, who were, from left: Rowell Villones, Raquel Suarez, Rosario Aday and Ely Gedong. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THREE Tralee groups have been given awards for their colourful exploits at this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade.
The local associations that scooped an award each were, The Redeemed Church of Christ, Tralee Musical Society and the Tralee Filipino Community.
All the awards were sponsored by Tralee Credit Union and handed out at the Abbey Inn on Monday night.
“This year was one of the best parades we’ve ever had, we had great weather and a great crowd” said member of the Tralee St Patrick’s Day parade committee, Johnnie Wall.
“The parade itself took an hour and twenty minutes to pass the viewing stand which means it was a huge parade and one of the biggest we’ve ever had,” said Johnnie.
This year’s parade featured four bands along plenty of other entertainment, music and local sporting clubs showing their colours with pride.
“We had Sam as well in the parade, but he’s a fairly regular visitor!” said Johnnie.
Leading the parade was current Kerry Rose, Mary Hickey.
With the theme of the parade being ‘Active Tralee’, Marcus Howlett, founder of the ‘Run The Kingdom’ company, accepted a special award for the Tralee International Marathon.
Scroll down for photos…
Tralee International Marathon receives award from the Tralee St. Patrick’s Day Parade for promoting fitness in Tralee pic.twitter.com/h8MUChifA5
Accepting their award from members of the St Patrick’s Day Parade committee were members of The Redeemed Church of Christ, from left: Johnnie Wall, Bonni Abubakao, Danny Leane, Mroseline Omoniyi, Adeyinka Etimiri, Micheal Gaffney and Seán Lyons. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Members of Tralee Musical Society accepting their award from Suzanne Ennis (Tralee Credit Union). Also included are members of St Patrick’s Day parade committee. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Johnnie Wall watching Sean Lyons knocking out a song on stage before the parade began on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Johnnie Wall, who helped organise the parade on Tuesday, reflects on a wonderful St Patrick’s Day in Tralee…
Tralee was buzzing on March 17, the centrepiece of our celebrations was the St Patrick’s Day Parade and the surprisingly good weather (the luck of the Irish no doubt) added to the great atmosphere of the festivities.
The participation of the many schools, clubs, social, community and voluntary groups in the parade really showed the diverse spirit and ethnic make up of our town.
I, in particular, loved the floats and the manner in which they are decorated.
It takes a lot of hard work and imagination to get the standard that was achieved on the day.
Great credit to the Gleneagle Concert Band, Newcastle West & District Pipe Band, the Irish Prison Services Pipe Band and our own Tralee Pipes and Drums and the many other musical interludes added to a great community event and made a sunny day that much brighter.
Runners in the Tralee marathon and half-marathon taking part in the parade today. Photo by Dermot Crean
Our many schools, societies contributed greatly with our sports clubs brightening proceedings with their colours, Blues, Greens, Reds, Black and Amber, indeed all the colours of the rainbow were worn with pride by the young members of each club.
The Redeemed Church Group was wonderful showing the great sense of bond and fellowship in the flock.
Great faith oozes from the congregation in the way they dance and sing the praises of the lord.
They were followed a little later by a very funny kind of ‘religious sister act’ promoting a show that’s being staged by Tralee Musical Society. From this preview the show itself promises to be a non stop ‘riot’ of colour, song and dance, great credit due to all.
The Filipino Community gave a beautiful display of a traditional dance from one of their southern islands, exceptionally vibrant colour with total commitment and I, for one and I know that I was not alone, felt enchanted by their performance.
The parade ended with the Stacks’ supporters togged out in their traditional colours and chanting the ‘Rockies Dirge’ which must put the frighteners into any team that they play – overall a great day in a great town with great people.
Lest we forget the parade was supported by the participation of many ‘Services’, including local members of the Reserve Defence Forces, who also provided the Colour Party, presenting our national flag to the people of the town with the respect which it deserves.
The Fire Service and the Red Cross also marched, and lest we forget all of these organisations are comprised of members who are volunteers, committed to serving ‘us’.
All of those participating took pride in being ‘Irish’ and celebrating our National Day and I am thrilled to state that that sense of ‘Irishness’ is no longer confined to a stereotypical view of what we are, but now encompasses a mirror image of our current society, diverse, multi-cultural and above all, as we saw from the level of participation in the parade, forward looking, with a commitment to doing things together.
P.S. A big, big thank you to the dynamic duo Sean Lyons and Micheal O’Donnell, who do all the talking on the day and of course our own MicheaL Gaffney who knows how to entertain a crowd and to the committee, the stewards and the Gardaí, and all those who helped in any way.
Without your voluntary support, the parade would not and could not happen.
THE good people over at ‘Social Box TV’ have uploaded another video to their YouTube channel, this time asking the people of Tralee the question ‘Why Are You Proud To Be Irish?’
While the rest of us were either watching the parade with the little ones, marching with our groups/organisations or just out to enjoy the glorious sunshine of the day, the Tralee girls who run the channel were asking for opinions on what it meant to be from Ireland.
You can check out their video below where you might recognise a few people…
THOUSANDS lined the streets to watch the parade yesterday where the theme was ‘Active Tralee’.
Sports and fitness clubs were out in force for the event along with many other community groups. It was a fantastic day for it and we were there to capture the atmosphere (click here for yesterday’s coverage).
Grand Marshal of the Tralee St Patrick’s Day parade meets the man himself. Photo by Dermot Crean
WELL it couldn’t have been a better day now, could it?
Thousands of people turned out in the glorious sunshine in Tralee to watch the annual St Patrick’s Day parade in what many described as one of the biggest crowds ever for the March event.
Starting just after noon, there were, it seemed, a couple of thousand more taking part in the event from clubs and businesses all over town and beyond.
Continued below…
The dynamic duo of Sean Lyons and Mike O’Donnell kept the crowd entertained and informed throughout with Mike acting as a ‘roving interviewer’ on Denny Street.
Kerry Rose, Mary Hickey, was the Grand Marshal for the event and even scored a penalty in the St Brendan’s Park FC float! There were great efforts made by the Tralee Bay Wetlands, Tralee Musical Society and Kingdom County Fair to name but a few.
In all, it was a colourful event that showcased what a fantastic community we have in Tralee.
Check out the highlights from the parade in the video below and scroll down for photos (we’ll have more images tomorrow)…
Melissa Ryan, who ran in the half-marathon on Sunday at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanAn agile member of Joanne Barry’s dance school at the parade. Photo by Dermot Crean‘Father’ Tim Landers gets funky on the Tralee Musical Society float at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanMembers of the Austin Stacks club show off the silverware at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Kerry County Show float at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanMembers of the Tralee Together Special Olympics Club at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanCrowds in Castle Street waiting for the parade to start. Photo by Dermot CreanMembers of the Sera Husky contingent at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanOlivia Wall drives the Sam Maguire and Tommy Markham cups with a little help from her friends at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanMembers of the Filipino community at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanA sea of Strand Road blue at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanPromoting the upcoming Tír na nÓg Festival at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanMembers of the Cassie Leen dance school at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanYoung John Mitchels members marching in the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters decked out in green for the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanBallymac GAA youngsters at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanTralee Dynamos members marching in the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanSt Pat’s GAA members get musical at the parade. Photo by Dermot CreanNa Gaeil youngsters get vocal for their club at the parade. Photo by Dermot Crean
St Patrick leads the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
ST Patrick’s Day came early for pupils and parents at Scoil Eoin, Ballonagh on Friday with the hosting of their annual pre-St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Held as part of Seachtain Na Gaeilge, the pupils, many wearing oversided leprechaun hats and holding inflatable hammers, danced and sang songs as gaeilge for parents and teachers alike.
One of the highlights of the day was the 6th class rendition of Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars as gaeilge, which can be seen in the video below.
Scroll down for video and photos from the day…
Pupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyPupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyPat Hickey and Catherina Graham enjoying the festivites at Scoil Eoin on Friday. Photos by Oscar Brophy
Pupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyPupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyAn interesting headpiece on a pupil at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyPupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyThumbs up for Ireland from this pupil at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyPupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyPupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
WHILE the preparations are in full swing for Tuesday’s St Patrick’s Day parade, we discovered this letter (below) from patriot, Austin Stack, sent 99 years ago today, organising a march of Irish Volunteers on the national holiday.
The letter, sent to F.H. O’Donnell, Honorary Secretary of the Irish National Volunteers, invites the corps to take part in a ‘demonstration’ from the ’98 memorial on St Patrick’s Day.
We discovered the letter thanks to a tweet sent earlier today by ‘1916 Letters’ (see tweet below).
Just a month later Austin Stack would be involved in events that would change the course of Irish history.
Rockies making their way through the streets of Portlaoise before the All-Ireland club semi-final. Photo by Dermot Crean
TUESDAY’S parade is about to get a whole lot louder!
After a year of incredible marches, the Rockies fans will again take to the streets of Tralee for the St Patrick’s day parade.
Though the Rock faithful would prefer to be making their way down Jones’s Road before the All-Ireland club final in Croke Park on the same day, getting a chance to do it at home is some consolation.
Austin Stacks fans represented the Tralee side impeccably and were asked by organisers to participate in the parade and show their colour and great voice once again.
‘Super Rockies’ are asked to congregate at Connolly Park on St Patrick’s Day at 11am decked out in black and amber. It being a Rock march, that means that, fancy dress, drums and flags along with anything else you can think of are also encouraged.
After the parade, fans are invited back to the clubhouse for complimentary stew or bacon and cabbage. There will be a kiddie’s cinema in the hall with free popcorn and finger food also spot prizes galore.
The supporters gained plaudits from all over the country for the brilliant noise and colour brought to the game which will live long in the memory.
The Dominican Church was sporting a new coat last night.
IF you start to see a different colour to the town over the next few days, never fear as it is all part of an initiative between Tralee Chamber Alliance and Kerry County Council.
The two groups have teamed up together to help celebrate St. Patricks Day next Tuesday with some buildings around the town turning ‘green’ over the next few days, making them a sight to behold at night.
The Chamber Alliance tested them out last night and took these photos (below).
The buildings will be going green from tonight onwards in the run up to the day.
This, along with the fun parade set to place as usual on Tuesday morning, will make make for a great week ahead.
If you’re out and about, be sure to bring a camera and capture the beautiful imagery.
Members of the St Patrick’s Day parade committee getting into the spirit of things, from left: Martin Brosnan, Anne O’Shea, Jason Brick, Micheal Gaffney, Johnnie Wall, Danny Leane and Sean Lyons. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
OVER the last few years, Tralee has been gripped by running mania so it’s fitting that the St Patrick’s day parade in town will represent that.
The theme of the St Patrick’s Day parade this year is being active and the parade committee would like if community groups taking part would display their wares as to how they encourage people to keep fit.
Kerry Rose, Mary Hickey, will be the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade.
St Patrick’s Day parade applications forms can be picked up at The Kerry Council Office reception desk, the Tralee Chamber Alliance office on Denny Street and the old town hall office in Princes Quay.
Completed forms can be handed in to any of the above buildings.
Parking arrangements for St Patrick’s Day are as follows…
• No Parking in Denny Street from 2.00.am until 3.00.pm on the day
• John Joe Sheehy road will be closed to traffic from 11.00.am and Boherbue to Denny Street from 12.00. Midday.
• Closing date for application is Friday 6th March and will be strictly adhered too.
• As usual The Parade assembles on the John Joe Sheehy road from 11.00.am (The Road will be closed to traffic from 11.00.am – 12.30. pm)
• The parade itself will start at 12.00. Sharp
• Marching straight down Boherbee / Upper Castle Street / Castle Street and down Denny Street
• Viewing stand will be at the corner of Denny Street as always.
Johnnie Wall is looking forward to St Patrick’s Day, the bastion of relief in the middle of Lent…
St Patrick’s Day.
A day of celebration, an oasis in the desert that is Lent, the one day when it is officially OK to let loose on that repressed desire and longing, having pledged to remain off chocolate for the duration or, God forbid, for the more pious amongst us (down on one knee thumping my chest) the drink.
Generally, placed smack-dab in the middle of Lent, this Christian equivalent of Ramadan, comes the dedicated celebration of our patron saint, a National holiday, when we pay homage to a Welshman who we abducted from his family as a boy.
Someone must have shown some kindness to him, because later in life, he returned to Ireland and attempted to convert us from our wicked pagan, pre-Christian ways.
The one shining light in the forty days is St Patrick’s Day –it is a bastion of relief from the long and hungry forty days of Lent.
It allows a person to break the promise of abstinence from all kinds of so called luxuries and the period of self sacrifice is cut in half,
The St Patrick’s Day parade in Tralee last year. Photo by Dermot Crean
However, we also like the pagan ritual of shamelessly and boastfully ‘strutting our stuff’ and for myself the shining light of the celebrations is the St Patrick’s Day parade and the participation of the many schools, clubs, social, community and voluntary groups, that exist in our town. Our extended ethnicity is a delight.
I particularly like the pride which people show in their group and the willingness to do their best to make St Patrick’s Day memorable for all.
I love the ingenuity of groups who design the floats and make the costumes out of whatever they have at hand.
Down the years we have had a Sphinx drawn by a number of slaves, all in Egyptian clothes – once we had the offer of a Second World War tank which, for safety reasons, unfortunately had to be refused.
The many football clubs who usually have their juvenile teams all done out in their club colours and schools, with their musical and cultural input are, one and all, a credit to their mentors.
Each year we have an up and coming pop band doing their thing on the back of Miah Lynch’s truck and of course our very own Tralee Pipes and Drums.
It is a day for the parents to come out and watch their children marching down the streets of Tralee and be proud, to take the photos that will be shown for many years to come, a source of great reminiscence.
Before I started writing this column I did a bit of research into the St Patrick’s Day parades and I found some interesting facts.
The parades on Saint Patrick’s day are not originally Irish, they are an American invention and evolved a statement of a singular and stereotype of ‘Irishness’, far from being a celebration of ethnic and religious inclusiveness, as they are in most places today.
One of the longest-running and largest Saint Patrick’s Day parades in North America occurs each year in Montreal, whose city flag includes a shamrock in its lower-right quadrant. The annual celebration has been organised by the United Irish Societies of Montreal since 1929. The parade has been held annually without interruption since 1824.
St. Patrick’s Day itself, however, has been celebrated in Montreal since as far back as 1759 by Irish soldiers in the Montreal Garrison following the British conquest of New France.
St Patrick’s day is a holiday in the tiny island of Montserrat, which is known as “Emerald Island of the Caribbean” because of its founding by Irish refugees from Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The holiday also commemorates a failed slave uprising that occurred on 17 March 1768. Along with Ireland St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Tralee has had an ‘on off’ relationship with St Patrick’s Day parades until the current organising committee has made it a permanent feature on our social calendar.
Events such as the St Patrick’s Day parade could not happen without the willing participation of so many groups, which are a credit to our region.
The organising committee, stewards, volunteers, Gardaí, emergency services and local authority all combine to make St Patrick’s day and oasis from the drudgery of Lent, a collective re-awakening from Winter, a prelude to Spring and better things to come.
