St Patrick's Day Parade committee answers back
Dear Editor,
I wish to reply to Andrea Keenan's letter in last week's issue of The Nationalist regarding this year's St Patrick's Day Parade in Clonmel. I respect absolutely Andrea's right to her opinion and her right to express that opinion in any form she chooses.
However when she says the organisers should 'hang their heads in shame', I reject that view absolutely. It has been my privilege for the past number of years to be the public face of a small group of unsung heroes who for 364 days each year care for St Patrick's Well, and on St Patrick's Day itself organise a series of events to suitably celebrate our National feast day. This they do on a completely voluntary basis, giving freely of their time with no personal reward whatsoever. Far from hanging their heads in shame, they should walk with their heads held high and their chests out for a job well done.
In reply to a number of specific points made by Andrea, the committee would have liked the GAA to participate. An invitation was extended to a senior officer of the County Board and the matter was, we understand, discussed at the adjourned South Board convention in February. It has always been our wish that all voluntary groups participate in the parade. However we can only ask, we cannot compel.
We welcome sincerely the participation of the Tipperary Vintage Car Club parade. It is only right that a club celebrating the 50th anniversary of its foundation should have a prominent place in the parade.
With regard to street theatre, in previous years the committee has brought the 'Firepoise' Street Theatre Co from Belfast to Clonmel. However we have a total budget of €5,000 and such a company would absorb virtually the entire budget on its own.
Twenty eight different groups participated in the parade. Some were excellent, some just good, but they all deserve huge credit for taking the time to participate. We would have loved forty or fifty groups taking part but ultimately, if people do not have the time, or the desire, or the community spirit to take part, we cannot compel them. But others failure should not be used to criticise those who took the trouble to participate.
The St Patrick's Well Committee was asked to take on the organisation of the St Patrick's Day Parade some years ago. We have no difficulty if another organisationi or groups of individuals would like to take this responsibility from us, or indeed, if people with ideas would like to join us in planning next year's parade, they will be made most welcome, and I guarantee their ideas will be taken on board.
Finally, Andrea makes much reference to the GAA in her letter, and I feel she epitomises that well known GAA character, 'the hurler on the ditch'.
Yours sincerely,
PJ Long, Secretary,
St Patrick's Well Cmtte.,
Jamestown, Clonmel.
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Weather for Clonmel
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South
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