The Waterford Camogie team has been announced as Grand Marshall of the 2024 Waterford St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The Déise team made history last year by reaching their first All-Ireland Senior Camogie Final in 78 years.
While it wasn’t to be their day against Cork at Croke Park, at a homecoming celebration in City Hall, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “The Waterford Senior Camogie players, management and supporters have lifted the spirits of the Déise. While today’s result didn’t go our way, the teams’ performances throughout the championship were inspiring. The culmination of determination, passion and true grit got Waterford to its first All-Ireland Final in 78 years. They should be very proud of their achievements.”
Following the announcement of the Waterford Camogie team as Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2024, the mayor said, “I want to reiterate what I said at the homecoming celebrations. The team, the management, the back-room staff created a wave of pride, passion and enthusiasm that the whole city and county got swept up in, and I am proud that they will lead the Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Parade.”
Sean Molloy, Chair of Waterford Camogie was delighted that the team had been chosen as St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshall, saying, “It’s a great honour for the team and all those involved with Waterford Camogie to lead the parade in Waterford.
“Reaching the All-Ireland final after a 78-year hiatus was a phenomenal achievement for the team, but it doesn’t stop there for them. Their levels of commitment and determination are matched only by their drive to go even further this season. There is never a training session missed and each and every game, they leave everything on the pitch, so I’m delighted that their efforts will be recognised by the people of Waterford.”
Waterford City and County Council, in association with Fáilte Ireland and EveryEvent, will bring a jam-packed four-day programme of events from Friday, March 15th to Monday, March 18th.
The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Seize the Déise’ and will feature many exciting entries from Waterford’s people and community, sports and charity groups, showcasing our diverse culture, famous heritage, and our musical and burgeoning artistic talent.
On Sunday, March 17th, Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will start at 1pm with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay. The parade leads off from the Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, concluding at the Parnell Street end of the Mall.
Highlights of the four-day festival include a trail of live music and entertainment centred around the three main squares of Waterford city, as well as the Cultural Quarter in O’Connell Street, walking tours of the city, river cruises along with a four-day city fairground in John Roberts Square.
Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland said, “Failte Ireland is pleased to once again support this year’s St Patrick’s Day festival Waterford. Taking place over 4 days, the festival is a brilliant opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the colour, culture, and creativity of Ireland’s oldest city.
“Festivals and events are a key component of Ireland’s tourism offering and they provide unique and compelling reasons for a visitor to choose a destination. They also have the ability to drive footfall for local businesses, supporting jobs and revenue generation. Fáilte Ireland is working closely with the festival organisers and the local community to develop and promote a compelling programme of events and experiences that celebrate both our national holiday, and all that Waterford has to offer.”
To take part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade or to find out more about Waterford’s St. Patricks Day festival visit www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com or keep an eye on social media channels.
