Mayo match forces St Patrick's Day parade change
There will be an earlier start time for this year's parade in Castlebar.
Mayo’s National Football League clash with Derry has forced a change in time for the St Patrick’s Day parade in Castlebar.
The Mayo footballers meet Derry at MacHale Park on Sunday, March 17, at 3.45pm.
The fixture has led to organisers shifting the start-time of the parade in the county town. The decision was taken by the parade organising committee following discussions with An Garda Síochána. The Castlebar St Patrick’s Day parade will now get underway at 12 noon.
The move will mean those taking part in this year’s even must begin assembling at An Sportlann from 11am.
The earlier start time will not alter the usual parade route.The procession will follow the regular route via Spencer Street, the Mall, Ellison Street, Market Square, Chapel Street, Newline, New Antrim Street, Linenhall Street and Main Street, where the reviewing stand will be positioned.
Last year, Chapel Street was a designated as a sensory street for people with autism and their families.
Chapel Street will be a noise-free zone to ensure those on the autism spectrum can enjoy the parade without stress or discomfort.
It remains to be seen if the McHale Park league fixture will impact attendances at parades across the county this year. Some fans will face the awkward choice of supporting the Mayo footballers or their local parade.
