St Patrick's parade in doubt in Tralee

The traditional St Patrick's Day parade in Tralee, Co Kerry, may have to be cancelled this year because of lack of interest, …

The traditional St Patrick's Day parade in Tralee, Co Kerry, may have to be cancelled this year because of lack of interest, according to the town's mayor.

Only eight groups out of 80 invited to take part in this year's parade had replied by the final date for registration last Monday, Mayor Johnny Wall (FF) said this weekend.

"We have to have a deadline to deal with road closure signs and so on," Mr Wall said.

He had sent invitations to all local bodies, schools and community groups.

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The town council is now looking at the possibility of having a céilí in the new town square on the day, unless there is an upsurge of interest in having a parade, he said.

Mr Wall has attributed the lack of response to a general feeling that the public wanted something different from a parade.

"It's a bit jaded. It's the same thing every year, " Mr Wall said.

It might be best to hold a parade every two years, he said. Last year the parade had been one of the best ever and a large historical theme was planned for next year.

KADE, a development educational organisation, has for the past number of years organised a highly successful intercultural event, Global Tralee. Centred around ethnic dancing from a number of countries as well as singing and set dancing, it takes place at the Mount Brandon Conference Centre.