Brought to you in association with Joe Mallon Motors, Portlaoise
World champion boxer TJ Doheny was a special guest of honor at the Portlaoise St Patrick’s Day parade as thousands of people lined the streets of the county town.
Doheny took part in the parade before then taking his place alongside the dignitaries on the viewing stand.
The Portlaoise man – who now splits his time between Australia and the USA – claimed the world title last August.
Invited on stage by MC Cllr Noel Tuohy, he said it was a “huge honour” for him to be invited to take part in the parade and told the crowd that he hoped to have another belt to show off shortly.
Cllr Tuohy was again a very entertaining MC, poking fun at himself and his fellow politicians on stage.
Fr Paddy Byrne again belted out a couple of appropriate songs – Fields of Athenry, If You’re Irish Come into the Parlour and It’s a Long way to Tipperary.
A wide range of floats took part, ranging from the Dunamaise Arts Centre who were this year’s Grand Marshals on what is their 20th anniversary to the various sports clubs and Irish dancers.
There was also a selection of business floats in the parade including the likes of Laois Hire, KWS and Scats Bouncing Castles.
Our photographer Julie Anne Miller captured a selection of great images from a fantastic event.
