Athlone Croí na hÉireann Festival starts on Thursday
The eagerly-anticipated Athlone Croí na hÉireann Festival commences tomorrow (Thursday, March 13) and will conclude on Monday, March 17, with the hosting of the showpiece event, the St Patrick's Day parade.
As the five-day festival draws close, the organising committee has announce a family-focused programme of events which is certain to attract vast numbers to Athlone from the wider Midlands community.
Since its inauguration, the Croí na hÉireann Festival has continued to evolve and become a major feature on the Athlone social calendar.
A plethora of attractions are certain to entertain over the course of the five days, starting with 'A Night at the Opry' at the Dean Crowe Theatre on Thursday. McFadden's Funfair will also open in Burgess Park on Thursday to run for the Festival's duration.
An FAI-hosted futsal soccer tournament takes place on Friday, March 14, in TUS from 6pm, while Athlone Towncentre will be the venue for a performance from 6.15pm-7.30pm by the Ganly School of Dancing.
The River Shannon will be a focal point on Saturday, March 15, as water-based activities take centre stage from 12pm-2pm. Athlone Boat Club Jr15 and Jr18 boys and girls will host showcase races and these will be followed by a safety demonstration featuring Athlone Sub Aqua, RNLI, Athlone Water Safety Awareness and Athlone Defibrillation Group.
The Feile na Sionainne and Comhaltas musicians will perform in Athlone Towncentre from 4pm-6pm, Mac Fleetwood completing Saturday's proceedings with a live performance at The Venue in the heart of the town.
On Sunday, March 16, a family 5km run will start from the Regional Sports Centre at 10am (registration from 9.30am), while the Dean Crowe Theatre will host a free multicultural event celebrating culture, music and dance in the afternoon. Renowned Athlone A Cappella will perform in Athlone Towncentre at 3pm, while Blue Moose will perform a live set at The Venue later.
Ballinahown NS's Big Breakfast starts proceedings on the final day of the festival. Ballinahown Community Hall is certain to be full of national feast day spirit with 'a full Irish' the order of the morning.
Art enthusiasts can enjoy the 'Connections Art Exhibition' at the Luan Gallery over the course of the festival.
The grand parade will close the festival on Monday, March 17. Starting from Connaught Street at 12.30pm, the parade, featuring vibrant floats, performers and complete with community spirit, will travel through the core of the town before finishing at Golden Island. A sensory friendly section will feature en route at John Broderick Street when participants will reduce noise, sirens and flashing lights for a more comfortable parade experience as it reaches its conclusion.