By Cianna McNally

MONAGHAN Town is gearing up for a packed, unmissable St Patrick’s weekend which kicks off on Thursday, March 13.

A French market, offering high-quality French food and beverages will be in the town from Thursday, March 13 until Saturday, March 15. A choral evening will take place on Friday, March 14 in the Westenra Arms Hotel at 8.30pm. This will include Monaghan Community Gospel Choir, under the instruction of David Drum and there will be a few songs from the Lithuanian Community Choir, This evening is open to everybody and there is no entrance charge.

The Big Sketch, a free, large-scale painting event will take place in St Macartan’s Hall on Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15. Co-ordinated by local artist Eileen Ferguson, it will involve 30 local artists painting a replica of Henry McManus’ iconic painting “Monaghan Market.” Dr. Pat Donlon, director of the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Annaghamakerrig will unveil the finished work at 7pm.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15 will begin at 4pm. Guest of Honour will be HE Izolda Brickovskiene, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania. Grand Marshall, Willie McKenna, current chieftain of Clann McKenna will be in attendance and the Master of Ceremonies will be Peadar McMahon. Parade entries include Glaslough Musical Society, Monaghan Dramatic Society, Monaghan Sub-Aqua Club, Lithuanian School and St Patrick’s Accommodation Centre along with youth clubs, girl guides and lots more. There will also be a large parade entry from Tydavnet primary schools, Corracrin, Edenmore, Knocknagrave and Tydavnet. A street circus including stilt-walkers, jugglers and a spectacular fire show will add to the entertainment as will free bouncy castles.

Café as Gaeilge on Saturday from 2-8pm concludes the weekend. It will be hosted by well-known couple Pauline and Mackie Rooney with menus and waiting service as Gaeilge. There will be musical interludes from local traditional musicians including the Coláiste Oiriall music group and Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn. This is open to everybody and there is no entry fee.