Large Crowds attend Omagh St Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Large crowds enjoyed the annual St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Omagh Town Centre on Sunday 17 March, including the return of the St Patrick’s Day parade.

Delivered by Urban Events NI and sponsored by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Omagh certainly was ‘at the Heart of your Celebrations’ with the selection of traditional, country and pop music and much more, for everyone to enjoy live from the two stages in the town centre.

Fintona CCÉ All Ireland Fleadh Ceili Band Champions, Dromore CCÉ, Síle traditional music group, St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band, Three River Choir, Urban Motion Dance, Newtownstewart Highland Dancers and more, showcased the best of local talent.

Compere, Johnny Brooks, kept the audience entertained singing hits from Gareth Brooks while families on the move enjoyed the Jigsaw Farm, Exploris Aquarium Touch Tank and the Golden Record Heritage Trail, ahead of the St Patrick’s Day Parade.

The St Patrick’s Day Parade weaved through the town at 2.30pm, led by Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr. Ann-Marie Donnelly. St Patrick himself arrived in style with Glendale Limousines. The colourful parade included a Toy Story Float with Hospital Road and CKS Youth Clubs, a train with Star Breakers Special Olympics Group who are celebrating their 20th anniversary, Ghost Busters characters were also present ahead of the movie release next week, vintage cars and tractors, a princess carriage float with Shopmobility Omagh, leprechauns, Ulster Project, Hazel Wand, Matilda, and much more.

Commenting on the enjoyable day, Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr. Ann-Marie Donnelly, said,

“I was so pleased to see so many people out on the streets of Omagh enjoying all the entertainment and celebrations for St Patrick’s Day. There was something for everyone of all ages, interests and requirements with the live music, dancers, entertainers, farm animals, peaceful movies and crafts, both out in the town centre streets and within the Strule Arts Centre.

I commend Urban Events NI on organising a diverse, full scale St Patrick’s Day event and I’m pleased Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was able to facilitate this event as well as Enniskillen’s by sponsoring them. The Council is committed to providing the best quality experience for everyone who lives and visits our district, and having enjoyable events like this are important for communities to showcase their talent and to encourage people to socialise and enjoy the entertainment the Fermanagh and Omagh District Area has to offer.”

During the parade, there was great excitement as Glendale Limousines chauffeured special guest ‘Taylor Made’ through the parade and to the stage for a performance for all the ‘Swifties’.

The Court House Stage’s final performance was delivered by the lively traditional rock bank, The Coves, the audience danced and clapped until it was time to head indoors to the Strule Arts Centre.

The Strule Arts Centre was full of arts, crafts, movies, music and more. Families enjoyed Djambe Drumming try it workshops facilitated by Aidan Dunphy, Celtic Sand Mandalas with Thai Arts NI, performances from Three Rivers Choir, Clann na hÓmaí, Newtownstewart Highland Dancers and an open music session facilitated by CCÉ Youth Officer, Eíle Smith. Matilda ‘Revolting Children Workshops by Hazel Wand Theatre School and the animated movie, ‘The Secret of Kells’ were also thoroughly enjoyed.

The celebrations continued into the evening as Omagh’s hospitality catered for families, locals, and visitors alike, showcasing the best of local food, music and entertainment.