AGM of Athlone's Croí na hEireann festival tonight

The AGM of the Athlone's Croí na hEireann festival around St Patrick's Day takes place tonight, Monday, November 28 at 8pm in the Bounty.

Chairman of the group John Henson thanked his hard working voluntary committee for delivering an excellent five-day festival last March which concluded with an amazing parade through the town.

The feedback from the public who came out in their thousands to enjoy this festival was so welcoming and positive, he said

John, who has been instrumental over the years in bringing a large number of Americans from Providence and other States to Athlone for the St Patrick’s Day festivities, added that it is his ambition to see this festival growing from strength to strength.

"We are now looking for members of the public to come along to our AGM, to share with us their views, bring forward new ideas and get involved in organising another fantastic festival and parade in 2023," he said.

Treasurer of the group Cllr Frankie Keena thanked all the local businesses and Westmeath County Council for their generous sponsorship which made the festival last March a major success.

"This financial support is very much appreciated as without it there would be no festival and no parade," he said.

"It is so important for Athlone to strive to host a number of top quality festivals each year that will attract visitors to the town. These festivals will apart from providing great enjoyment to the public, they will also provide much needed economic boosts to local businesses," he added.

Matters for decision at the forthcoming AGM will include the strengthening of the committee, to decide on the date and theme for the 2023 St. Patrick’s Parade and finally to identify ways of generating funding for next year’s festival.