Local groups were feted for their community spirit and excellent efforts as Kilkenny County Council held the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade awards.
Hosted by Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Michael McCarthy and Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuinness on Monday, the event celebrated the best entries from the 2025 city parade, which saw 60 floats and groups parade through the streets of Kilkenny on St Patrick’s Day.
Prizes were presented to each group, which included a special Jerpoint Glass trophy, a certificate of their achievement, and a voucher to help their organisation’s work. The winners were across a number of categories.
Most Creative and Entertaining: Kilkenny Malayali Association;
Best Rural: 15th Kilkenny FortGrange Scout Group;
Best Interpretation of the Theme: Ukrainian Community;
Best Young People: Diocese of Ossory;
Best School: Gaelscoil Osraí;
A special commendation was given to acknowledge Dragon’s Lair Martial Arts.
The 2025 parade had the highest attendance ever with an estimated 45,000 people lining the streets along the new parade route. The festival weekend saw the city come alive with American Marching Bands, funfairs, and fireworks, with an estimated 120,000 visiting the city over the four-day St Patrick’s Festival and Kilkenny Tradfest weekend.
Cathaoirleach Michael McCarthy welcomed all those who attended and pronounced this year’s festival and parade a huge success.
Extraordinary
“It was an extraordinary festival weekend here in Kilkenny, with a fantastic atmosphere throughout the city,” he said.
“The 90-plus event programme saw 120,000 people visit the City over the weekend, including 45,000 at the Parade on St Patrick’s Day. Highlights include the six American bands who visited the city on Saturday and Sunday, entertainment on the festival stage, the Big Wheel on the Parade Plaza, the fire show in County Hall, festival fireworks in the Castle Park, and of course the St Patrick’s Day Parade.
“The St Patrick’s Day Parade was bigger and brighter than ever with pageantry, local groups and plenty of family entertainment. Well done and thank you to all those who took part, especially the volunteers and those that donned special costumes on the day.”
Mayor Andrew McGuinness, who presented the winners with framed certificates at the awards ceremony, said: “Congratulations to all the award winners on your participation and your creative entries.
Festival Director Marian Flannery, acknowledged the efforts of all groups involved.
“Our theme, ‘Bí Beo, Bí Linn’ – Be Alive, Be With Us, encouraged groups to bring energy and creativity to the streets of Kilkenny," she said. "There was a strong turnout this year, and selecting the winners was an incredibly difficult decision.
"As Kilkenny welcomes more communities to the county, the festival team is heartened to see colourful and entertaining new entries embrace the theme. We are grateful to all the organisations and individuals who contributed to this year’s Parade, adding to the pageantry of our national holiday.”
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