There was an old saying around here – a very old saying which was so much in vogue before the plague of political correctness came upon us.
But it had the advantage of getting straight to the point with no room for ambiguity for those at either end of the delivery.
With the application of a cleansing filter it came out as: Do your business or leave the pot.
It flashed to mind when I read the following notice from the working committee of the 1989 established Castleisland St. Patrick’s Day Parade and its appeal for help and the short, sharp meeting it has called for Thursday night at 7pm at the Castleisland Community Museum.
Bunting and Flags Beyond Use
“The ad-hoc committee which has been organising and running the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade here in Castleisland now finds itself at a cross-roads regarding the 2025 event.
“Nearly all of the bunting and flags that the members have stringing across the wide street for the past number of years are now beyond use and will need to be replaced.
In order to replace the above, which have to be ordered before January 6th 2025, the committee finds itself substantially short of funds for this project.
Disheartening and Unfortunate
As you may know this committee has been relying on funding from the Kerry County Council Community Support Fund, Cara Credit Union and Castleisland Chamber Alliance and some individual donations from business premises in the town.
Dishearteningly and unfortunately some businesses did not contribute to the cost of the parade in 2024 and this is the reason we are now short of funds.
A Plea for Survival
The committee members, none of whom are involved in a business in Castleisland, are asking you to please attend a meeting on this Thursday night, December 12th in the Castleisland Community Museum, 42 Main Street at 7pm sharp.
If the current committee doesn’t see or receive a full commitment and contribution from local businesses, its members will be left with no alternative but to disband the committee on the night and step away from the organising of the 2025 and future events.
“We really look forward to seeing you on the night and if you can’t attend please send a representative.”
The notice ended on a plea for the survival of one of the most important days of national identity and cultural celebration – not to mention the commercial boost it brings to the town.
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