Grand Marshals announced for Ballina’s St Patrick’s Day Parade

Ballina is preparing for a spectacular celebration as plans are finalised for the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will take place on Tuesday, March 17 at 3pm.

The streets of Ballina will come alive with vibrant colour, uplifting music and proud tradition as community groups, sports clubs, businesses and organisations come together to celebrate everything that makes the town special. This year’s parade theme is ‘Pride of Ballina’, a tribute to the strong sense of community and local achievement that defines the town.

Leading the parade as Grand Marshals will be two proud Ballina natives – David Cawley and Fergal Birrane – both of whom reflect the spirit of this year’s theme through their achievements in sport.

David Cawley has enjoyed a distinguished football career both at home and abroad. The Ballina native began his football journey with Ballina Town FC before signing for Ipswich Town in 2007. He later went on to achieve great success with Sligo Rovers, helping the club win the League of Ireland Premier Division title in 2012, the FAI Cup in 2013 and the Setanta Sports Cup in 2014. Across two spells with the club he made more than 300 appearances, placing him among the top ten appearance holders in the club’s history. He also enjoyed spells with St Patrick’s Athletic, Galway United and Finn Harps. In a fitting full-circle moment, Cawley has returned to his hometown club, signing for Ballina Town FC ahead of the 2026 Mayo Super League season.

Joining him as Grand Marshal is Fergal Birrane, who proudly represented Ireland on the international stage in 2025 as part of the Irish Down Syndrome Futsal team that competed at the SUDS European Championships in Ferrara, Italy. A midfielder who plays with Sligo Rovers’ Football for All programme, Birrane was the only player from Connacht selected for the Irish squad. His commitment, enthusiasm and love of football have made him a fantastic ambassador for inclusive sport and a source of great pride for his hometown.

Large crowds expected to line the streets of Ballina for the annual celebration of Irish culture and community spirit. Groups taking part in the parade are asked to assemble from 3pm at Mercy Road, Ballina.

“The St Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the highlights of the year in Ballina, bringing our community together in a celebration of culture, heritage and local pride,” said Mary Moyles, President of Ballina Chamber of Commerce and one of the parade organisers. Ms Moyles said the committee was delighted to honour both David Cawley and Fergal Birrane.

Mairéad Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, said the parade continues to be an important event for the region.

“St Patrick’s Day in Ballina is always a wonderful celebration that brings people together and showcases the spirit of our town. The theme ‘Pride of Ballina’ highlights the people who make this place so special, and David and Fergal are fantastic representatives of that pride. We look forward to welcoming visitors and locals alike to what promises to be a fantastic day.” The parade committee is inviting local businesses, community groups, schools, sports clubs and organisations to take part in this year’s event. Those wishing to participate can contact chamber@ballina.ie for further information.