Blackrock Leprechaun leads St Patrick’s Day celebrations

THE lucky Blackrock Leprechaun was spotted in training recently with the Blackrock Athletics Club as he warmed up for his annual outing at the Leprechaun Chase in Blackrock Park.

This is the second year of the popular family fun run that saw over 500 people flock to the village last year for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The Chair of the Blackrock Business Network, Tom Feeney, said: “This is a really fantastic event for Blackrock and we can’t wait to celebrate again this year.

“Last year we were overwhelmed by the support we received, both by many of the businesses in the village and by the people who came out for the fun run.

“Blackrock is such a wonderful town, and it really has it all – the beautiful seaside, local shops, a big green park and, of course, wonderful people.

“We in the Blackrock Business Network wanted to, once again, give the people living in the area a reason to stay local on our national holiday and support their local community.”

Mr Feeney added: “It is also a good opportunity to fundraise for local charities with collections for Laura Lynn, Community First Responder and Blackrock Hospice taking place on the day.”

 Event Coordinator Angela Kelly said: “This year’s race will begin at 12pm. There will be one 1.5km race taking a lovely scenic route through the park, all the while trying to catch our lucky leprechaun.

“It will be followed by prize-giving, music by Comhaltas, face-painting and plenty more craic in the new square in the village. I would encourage everyone to come along, wear plenty of green and get into the St Patrick’s Day spirit.”

Cllr Deirdre Kingston added: “It’s so wonderful to see the local community coming together to organise such a positive and fun event for all the family. I’ll certainly be getting myself down to Blackrock Park on the day to support this fantastic event.”

 To register for the chase go to www.blackrock.ie/chase. Race goers can register and get their wristbands from Thursday afternoon at 4pm in Urban Junction, Main Street, Blackrock and will also be able to register on the day from 11.15am.

The Blackrock fun run is just one of numerous events taking place this week to mark the national holiday.

For a full round up of events taking place across the country go to www.stpatricksfestival.ie

But our pick on the Southside People must go to the Secret Session in the RDS that promises a celebration of the country’s favourite music, drinks, food and sport over three days.

Taking place from Thursday, March 16 through Paddy’s Day and finishing on Saturday 18, the festival offers a brand-new fun to its patrons.

This year, each day of the festival will showcase a different theme with Thursday’s  ‘Manchester in the RDS’ featuring Oasis and Stone Roses tribute bands while five live bands including Skatuesques, Sack, The Frank & Walters and DJ Danny McElhenny taking to the stage on the following day.

On Sunday, over 4,000 people are set to take the arena by storm, as they soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the Irish food and drinks and close off Paddy’s weekend in style.

Meanwhile, an array of events and workshops are on show at the award-winning GPO Witness History visitor centre during the festival.

On Thursday, March 16 members of the public are invited to bring in letters and photographs that relate to 1916, The War of Independence and the Civil War.

They will get to meet the in-house archivist, who will digitise the items, provide a copy and advise on storage and preservation.

There will also be an opportunity to have items included in upcoming online exhibitions at GPO Witness History.

The appraisal will take place from 10am to 12pm, and from 2pm to 4pm.

On the 17, St. Patrick’s Day, GPO Witness History will be open from 2pm to 5.30pm (last admission 4:30pm). This affords you an opportunity to enjoy this recently awarded ‘Best Cultural Experience’ in the heart of the activities on O’Connell Street.