Series of Croí na hÉireann events confirmed in Athlone
With less than a month to go to St Patrick's Day, a number of events have been confirmed for Athlone's Croí na hÉireann Festival, taking place from March 13 to 17 next.
While a full of calendar of events will be released shortly, the festival organisers stated that preparations are nearing completion for the popular annual festival which will culminate in the showpiece occasion, the St Patrick's Day parade on Monday, March 17.
The festivities commence on Thursday, March 13, with a theatre night at the Dean Crowe Theatre.
Visitors can look forward to a variety of entertaining performances throughout the festival, including 'A Night at the Opry' on Friday night, March 14. The McFadden Funfair will open its gates to the local public on Friday, March 14, offering thrilling rides and attractions throughout the weekend.
An FAI-hosted futsal soccer tournament takes place on Friday, March 14, in TUS from 6pm and there will also be dancing in Athlone Towncentre on the same date by the Ganly School of Dancing.
Numerous the Athlone water activities will take place on Saturday, March 15, with showcase races by the Athlone Boat Club Jr15 and Jr18 boys and girls, followed by a safety demonstration featuring Athlone Sub Aqua, RNLI, Athlone Water Safety Awareness and Athlone Defibrillation Group.
Saturday will continue with performances by the Sheerin Dancers in the afternoon at the Athlone Towncentre and a Comhaltas Irish music session at McNeills Pub from 5pm.
On Sunday, March 16, a family 5km run will start from the Regional Sports Centre at 10am, while the Dean Crowe Theatre will host a free multicultural event celebrating culture, music and dance in the afternoon. The Feile na Sionnaine group will also showcase on Sunday afternoon at the Athlone Towncentre with members of the CROÍLÁR Festival group performing under the canopy on Church Street during the weekend. Blue Moose will perform a live set at The Venue to complete an exciting day of festival events.
Taking place until April 5, art enthusiasts can enjoy the 'Connections Art Exhibition' at the Luan Gallery. The gallery will be open throughout the festival weekend offering free admission and an opportunity to appreciate the artistic talents on display.
The grand parade will then take place on Monday, March 17, starting at 12.30pm travelling through the core of the town before it concludes at Golden Island.
Live music from local pubs and clubs will be published soon.
For more information and details of all events throughout the festival, visit the Croí na hÉireann Facebook page.
Meanwhile, the Ballymahon St Patrick's Day parade will take place on Sunday, March 16.
Starting at 3.30pm, the theme for this year's parade is 'resilience and resourcefulness' which is a nod to the local community's ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome adversity and recover post Storm Éowyn.