D DISTRICT: There will be some disruption to traffic in across Newry, Mourne and Down this St Patrick’s Day, 17 March, with a number of parades and processions taking place.
In Downpatrick, the Downe Old Car Club Cavalcade will begin at midday on Ardglass Road, travelling along Edward Street, John Street, Irish and Market Street for dispersal at the Leisure Centre at around 3.30pm, followed directly by the main parade which also begins at Ardglass Road, proceeding to Edward Street, John Street, Irish Street, and Market Street to Rathkeltair Car Park for dispersal. Family entertainment will be provided in St Patrick Square and behind The Grove Shopping Centre from midday til 4pm
In Newry, the parade will assemble at 1pm at Buttercrane Quay, before moving onto Merchant Quay, Sugar Island, Kildare Street and The Mall for dispersal at 2.30pm.
Meanwhile in Kilkeel, the Banna Fliuit Naoimh Padraig will assemble at the car wash on Newcastle Street at 10.30am before moving on to Newcastle Street, Bridge Street, Greencastle Street, travelling around the roundabout and along Greencastle Street, stopping at the traffic lights for a10 minute display. The procession will then move off into Newry Street, to the Town Hall for dispersal at 11.30am.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Glasdrumman will assemble at 11am at the Newcastle Road junction with Mill Road. They will then travel along Bridge Street, Greencastle Street, around the roundabout at Mourne Esplanade, Greencastle Street, stop of 10 minutes at Patsy’s Bar to play a selection of tunes, before continuing on to Greencastle Street and Newry Street for dispersal at Kilkeel Credit Union at 10.45am
At 11.15am the St Joseph’s Pipe Band Longstone will form up at the junction of Rooney Road and Newcastle Road then proceed along Newcastle Road, Bridge Street, Greencastle Street, around the roundabout, then Greencastle Street, with a stop at the junction of Newry Street to play a selection of tunes before dispersal at Newry Street for dispersal at approximately 11.45am.
St Joseph’s Flute Band will assemble at approximately 11.15am at Newcastle Road, proceeding along Newcastle Street, Bridge Street, Newry Street, to Brocklands Nursing Home, before returning along Newry Street, Greencastle Street with a brief stop for a display, Greencastle Road and then the Oratory for dispersal at around 11.45am.
In Warrenpoint the parade will begin at the Police Station then travel to Charlotte Street, Church Street, Queen Street, Seaview, Osbourne Promenade, Havelock Place, Harbour Quays, Marine Parade, Dock Street and finally to The Square for dispersal at 1.45pm.
E DISTRICT: In Armagh City this St Patrick’s Day, a number of parades and processions are also taking place.
The 1st Armagh Scouts will assemble at Navan Street at 10am before travelling along the following route: Lower Irish Street – Ogle Street – Thomas Street – Market Street – Upper English Street - Lower English Street – Shambles – Cathedral Road – St Patrick's Cathedral where a service will take place at 11am.
Following the service, participants will reform at approximately 12.15 for the return parade and travel from St Patrick's Cathedral along the following route: Cathedral Road – Shambles roundabout – Railway Street – Lonsdale Road – to the Scout Hut (behind the Vivo shop) and then disperse.
St Patricks Day Celebrations Committee Parade participants will gather from 1pm within the grounds of Christian Brothers Primary School car park off Irish Street and at around 2pm the parade will move off making its way along: Irish Street – Lower Irish Street – Ogle Street – Thomas Street – Market Street – Upper English Street – Shambles – Cathedral Road to Sherry’s Fields/Cathedral Road Recreational Centre where the parade will disperse.
The Cormeen Rising Sons of William Flute Band Parade participants will gather from 7pm outside the Orange Hall in Mall East, and follow the following route: Mall East – Gaol Square – Barrack Street – Scotch Street – Market Street – Upper English Street - College Street before concluding back at Mall East.
F DISTRICT: In both Magherafelt and Dungannon this St Patrick’s Day, 17 March, there are parades and processions taking place.
In Magherafelt participants and supporters are set to assemble at the Parish Centre Car Park on King Street at 2pm. Once formed, the parade will leave Parish Centre Car Park and travel along King Street to Church Street, Broad Street, The Diamond, Meeting Street, Kirk Avenue, Queens Avenue, Queen Street, The Diamond, Broad Street, completing a u-turn and heading back up Broad Street to The Diamond, Meeting Street, Fair Hill and into Kind Street to finish at Parish Centre Car Park in King Street. The parade will then disperse at around 4pm.
In Dungannon, delays are to be expected from 4pm as participants and supporters assemble at O'Neill Park, Dungannon. The parade will leave O'Neill Park at around 5pm and proceed along Lisnahull Road, Newell Road, Donaghmore Road, Anne Street, Irish Street, the Square, Scotch Street, George Street, William Street and Anne Street with dispersal at around 6:30pm
Officers will be on the ground to accommodate the flow of traffic however road users may wish to seek another route if not attending a parade to avoid any unnecessary. There will also be some parking restrictions along the main parade routes and organisers have asked that people respect any area identified for blue badge holders or where ‘No Parking’ cones are placed.
G DISTRICT: And finally, there will be disruption to traffic in Omagh and Enniskillen due to parades and events taking place.
In Omagh, participants and supporters are due to assemble at South West College at 1.30pm. Once formed the parade will then move off at around 2.30pm, travelling along Bridge Street, Drumragh Avenue, Market Street, High Street, John Street, James Street, George Street, High Street, Market Street, Drumragh Avenue, to Bridge Street for dispersal at around 5pm.
Meanwhile in Enniskillen, delays should be expected from around 2:30pm as participants and supporters arrive to assemble at Enniskillen Castle car park. The parade will leave at around 3.30pm and proceed along Wellington Road, Belmore Street, East Bridge Street, Town Hall Street, Church Street, Darling Street, Castle Street, concluding at Wellington Road - Castle Car Park at around 6pm.
Officers will be on the ground on the day to accommodate the flow of traffic however road users may wish to seek another route if not attending a parade to avoid any unnecessary delays. There will also be some parking restrictions along the main parade routes and organisers ask the public to respect any area identified for blue badge holders or where ‘No Parking Cones’ are placed.
Street Traders wishing to trade along parade routes are advised that they must have a valid Street Traders License and are asked to ensure that stalls do not encroach onto the road.
We hope everyone enjoys the festivities across South Area and has a safe and enjoyable day.