St. Patricks Day Parade

The Youngest players in Garrycastle GAA Club, boys and girls, marched proudly in the St. Patricks Day parade in Athlone on Tuesday. On a beautiful spring day, huge numbers of players turned out to parade the red-and-green colours though the town.

Led this year by some of our under-10 and under-8 players carrying the Flanagan Cup, (the county senior football championship cup, currently residing in Garrycastle!), we had players from the under-6 nursery group, under-8, under-10 and under-12 age groups. Supported by a large number of parents and brother and sisters, the group got a great reception throughout the town, as they proudly showed off their skills in a number of exhibitions during the parade.

The cup itself got a great reception, incuding a request for a "selfie" with the cup by the UTV Ireland reporter, who, as a Mayo woman, appreciated the red-and-green colours!

After a long walk through the town, it was a tired but happy group who dispersed to enjoy the rest of the festivities.

As always, massive thanks to the mentors and parents who helped out on the day, by bringing the players along, marching in the parade, taking photos, helping with the football drils and so on. It just would not be possible to have days like this without that great support.

With St. Patricks day now just a memory, it's back to the real business of football training and matches for all the players. Caisleán an Gharraí abú!

Some pictures from the day, most courtesy of Sinead Shine.