Mayday Parade Crowns Community Week

Pictured above: St.Patrick's rowing club.

Pictured above: St.Patrick’s rowing club.

Ringsend Community week was crowned by a Mayday Parade that gathered the talent and the heart of the community for a fun-filled day that involved the centenary of the 1916 rebellion and the different aspects of the community as a whole.

The parade completed a week of events that covered arts and heritage, a 1916 movie night, the Ringsend Dog Show, the Rose of Ringsend and a play performed by Ringsend College.

It was a day for both children and adults alike, with face painting and a bouncing castle provided at the back of the Community centre. Locals dressed up in the garments of the Edwardian era, with fancy dress for children. Tea, coffee and refreshments were provided for attendees. The parade itself began at 2.00pm and continued on until 6.00pm.

There was an organised march from the Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre (RICC) to Clanna Gael through the Seán Moore Road and back to the Community Centre, where prizes were given out for the best 1916 costumes.

Returning once again at this year’s Mayday parade were the Dublin All-Stars marching band and the Finglas Concert Band. Amongst those who participated and were represented in the parade were the Stella Maris and St. Pat’s Rowing Club, along with the local Fontenoy’s GAA club.

The local Spellman centre were involved with local facilitator Sueann Moore, who provided clothes and costumes for the children for their fancy dress.

Alice Foley, the Lord Mayor of Ringsend spoke to NewsFour on the events of the parade and the tremendous variety of talent and general attendees at the event.

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“It was the biggest parade on record. Sergeants from the Irish army were present along with the Dublin Garda Band. The sergeants walked in front of the parade and An Garda Síochána helped to coordinate traffic. They were brilliant in their duties.

“The children designed their own t-shirts for the parade. There were volunteers from the Community Centre doing face-painting, and librarians co-ordinated by Jacqueline Glynn read stories to the local children. I personally would like to thank all those who were involved and those who commemorated this event. I would also like to thank Dylan Clayton, the local music teacher who provided and instructed the children to perform on the drums, the guitar and with their vocal range.”

Jennifer Betts of RICC spoke to NewsFour, reflecting on both the Mayday Parade and the week itself with great satisfaction. “The last community week took place in the 1980’s and included events for all the family. With the Easter Rising centenary having taken place, it seemed a fitting tribute for the return of Community Week, coupled with commemorative events, to honour our heroes of 1916. The involvement was phenomenal, with activity from Ringsend Community Services Forum, Abundant Grace, Clarke’s Pub, Dublin City Council, The Vintage Inn, The Irishtown House and many more enthusiastic individuals that made the week a talking point for months to come.”

By Robert Fullarton