Arranmore Islands St Patricks Day Celebrations

The float at the St Patricks Day parade, Arranmore Island, 2014

This years St Patricks Day party in Ionad Chrois Bhealaigh, Arranmore Island, was another massive success seeing the event growing even bigger and better than previous years and was enjoyed by all the island community from its very youngest to oldest members. The day began with a short parade by both the Arranmore Pipe Band and a selection of children and adults led by a "St Patricks Day float" make its way to the chapel of St Crones for 11am mass, where it was greeted by a large crowd of islanders and visitors alike.

Young Barney Grady getting the
drinks in early at the St Patricks Day
Party in Ionad Chrois Bhealaigh

Following the St Patricks Day mass and the now traditional musical display outside in the chapel grounds by the pipe band, the parade reformed and led by the pipe band made its way to the community centre, Ionad Chrois Bhealaigh, for the entertainment and festivities which were to be held there.

Thankfully the weather held and sun shone as the hall filled out to capacity and those who attended were treated to tea and huge selection of food prepared and donated by members of the community. Those gathered then had the chance to experience some great entertainment compered by Hugh Nancy Rodgers, beginning with fantastic traditional Irish music performed from the stage by Anne Conaghan, John Flannagan, Eamón Ó Cíosáin, Paddy Gallagher, Connie McCauley and Robert Pfeiffer. Young Eve McCafferty also joined them for a tune.

John Lenty and Hughie Ban keeping
an eye on the festivies

There was also a wealth of tunes performed in the hall by the Arranmore Pipe Band drawing huge applause from the crowd. Other entertainment on display came in a wide variety of forms from singers including Anna Gallagher, Hugh Rodgers and Andrew Early, Irish dancers Darren O'Donnell, Sarah Bonner, Aisling Gaughan, Maggie Gallagher, Áine Boyle, Sarah Gallagher, Roisin Gallagher, Amelie Bonner and Gina Boyle. Teenie Hyland also performed a fantastic traditional Irish music solo and there was even a Karate display by young Erin O'Kane.

With the waltzing, singing along and of course the now obligatory 'Siege of Ennis' dance it was a hugely enjoyable day for all who attended. It bodes well for next year as the St Particks Day celebrations on the island seem to be getting bigger and better year on year. A huge thank you to Seamus Bonner and CFFAM and the staff of Ionad Chrois Bhealaigh and of course the many volunteers of the Arranmore community who made it such an enjoyable day for all!

The Arranmore Pipe Band playing in Ionad Chrois Bhealaigh