Dates announced for 2024 Athlone Croí na hEireann Festival
The five-day Athlone Croí na hEireann Festival will take place from Wednesday, March 14 right up to Monday, March 18 finishing with all inclusive community parade to honour St Patrick in the town, it has been announced.
The theme for the 2024 festival is 'Our Beating Heart’ which organisers believe will give an opportunity to all groups and organisations in the town and surrounding areas to showcase their skills.
The news comes following the recent AGM of the festival in the Bounty, where the current officer board was reelected.
Chairman John Henson welcomed and thanked all who took the time to attend on the night. It was noted that the AGM was publicly advertised for anyone to come along and join the group and to make their views known towards the preferred dates for next year’s festival and parade.
Mr Henson welcomed Martin Ward from Na Fianna kickboxing club and Ankur, representing the Indian Community, to the meeting.
The Chairman also gave a full account of last March’s very successful festival and parade and he expressed sincere thanks to all who contributed to its success, particularly, to all the sporting, community, ethnic, cultural and business groups in Athlone and surrounding areas who participated.
John paid tribute to his very hard working committee who voluntarily give of their time to deliver a wow festival for the people of the town, along with Gardaí and Westmeath County Council staff, who kindly helped out on the day of the parade.
Committee Treasurer Cllr Frankie Keena spoke highly of his fellow committee members, and indeed to John Henson, for his energy in leading the festival. In particular, he referenced John’s close contact with Providence, Rhode Island in the United States which he utilises to invite Americans to Athlone for the festivities.
Frankie also had a special thanks to Westmeath County Council and the wide variety of businesses who kindly contribute to the finances to wards the running of the festival each year. Without this financial support, it would not be possible to put on the festival.
He extended a big thanks to everyone who participated in last March’s festival and encouraged businesses, communities and sporting groups to join the festivities again in 2024, adding that there is no charge for entries as it is a community-based festival and parade
Announcing the dates of the five-day festival, running from Wednesday, March 14 right up to Monday, March 18 and finishing with a community parade to honour St Patrick, Chairman John Henson said the committee is delighted with the ongoing support from TUS which will help us make the 2024 festival bigger and better than before.