*Young members of the parade in Doonbeg. Photograph: John O’Neill.
LEGENDS was the theme of the St Patrick’s Day parade in Doonbeg.
Present day heroes and legends from the past were remembered among the floats that passed through the long village of Doonbeg on Sunday.
General Manager of the Trump owned five star resort in Doonbeg, Joe Russell had the honour of serving as Grand Marshal for the parade.
RTÉ broadcaster Marty Morrissey from Quilty and Kilkee athlete Willie Keane were among those fitting the ‘legends’ tag with plenty of life to their respective floats.
Doonbeg’s two-time Olympian Pat McDonald was also remembered, he still holds the honour of being the oldest Olympic track and field champion following his success at the Amsterdam Olympics of 1920 aged over forty.
Willie Shanahan, Padraig O’Dea and Michael McNamara were some of the ‘legends’ from the history of Doonbeg GAA remembered during the parade.
With The Irish Open heading to Doonbeg in September, there was a float with a putting green and golfers while Whelan’s Garage in Kilrush had their legends leaderboard led by Joe Whelan Snr in first spot followed by Áine Donegan, David Tubridy and Marty Morrissey.
Rory McIlroy will be in Doonbeg to defend his title later this year but the silverware on offer was on show for the parade.
St Patrick’s Pipe Band from Tulla and CBS Pipe Band from Limerick provided some volume as they made their way through the parade as did the vintage tractor and car rally.
Students and staff from Bansha NS, Clohanes NS, Doonbeg NS and Shragh NS brought colour and creativity to proceedings.
All photographs by John O’Neill
