*Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
KILRUSH honoured some of its sporting centre heroes by putting them front and centre of the St Patrick’s Day parade.
Legends was the theme of the Kilrush parade as the town honoured a great era of success for Kilrush Shamrocks.
Fifty years on from the club’s most illustrious era when it won five successive Clare senior football championships from 1975 to 1979 which was followed by further success in 1981, the glory days were recalled.
With legends as the theme, it was fitting that the Grand Marshals were the championship winning captains of the time, their historic achievement remains a defining chapter in Clare football and continues to be a source of immense pride for the community.
Captains from the period were Brian O’Reilly (RIP) who was represented by his brother, and multiple championship winner, Michael O’Reilly, Séamus O’Doherty, Seanie Moloney, Liam McNamara, Johnny Houlihan and Michael Eustace. Each of these men played in every year of the famous five‑in‑a‑row championship run from 1975 to 1979.
Later this year, Chris Dixon will publish a book retelling the story of this extraordinary achievement, with all proceeds going to support Kilrush Shamrocks boys’ and girls’ underage teams.
Prizes were awarded for Best Theme Interpretation, Most Entertaining, Best Spectacle, Best Musical, Most Topical, Most Environmentally Aware, Most Humorous plus some individual prizes.
At the front of the main stage, the fun dog show took place. There was kiddies fun on Frances St, a safety display at Market Square from the Clare County Fire and Service Rescue Service.
Much-loved local artist Teresa Carrig was on hand with musical entertainment following the launch of her second album, ‘Dancing Solo’.
All photographs by Gerard O’Neill
