Search is on for Portarlington heroes 

PORTARLINGTON is looking forward to a ‘heroic’ 2027, after a triumphant St Patrick’s Day parade this year.

The parade committee has announced that ‘Heroes’ will be the theme of next year’s event, with preparations already underway after a 2026 awards celebration this month.

The committee said that community spirit was on full display at the awards night on 10 April, which honoured those who made this year’s festivities such a memorable success.

A committee spokesperson said: ‘The awards night served as a vibrant reminder of the creativity alive in our town. The spirit of St Patrick’s Day isn't just found in the green ribbons and marching bands on the day itself; it’s found in the weeks of preparation, the local craftsmanship and the quiet dedication of a community coming together.’ 

This year’s standout contributors included Al’s Fish Shop, which won the best float award; the Portarlington CoderDojo group, which received the best walking group title and The Foodie Box, which scooped the best shop window award.

The parade committee commented: ‘These winners represent the heart of what makes our parade special, a blend of local commerce and the bright young minds shaping our future.’ 

Reviving a tradition is no small feat. After a seven-year break ended in 2025, this year saw the parade return stronger than ever thanks to months of hard work and fundraising.

From direct donations to a raffle stocked with prizes generously gifted by local businesses, the financial backbone of the parade is entirely Portarlington-made.

Committee members are asking locals to ‘Unleash Your Inner Hero’ as momentum already builds for 2027, with sights set on an even more ambitious celebration.

Announcing the ‘Heroes’ theme, the committee said: ‘The beauty of this theme lies in its ambiguity. Whether it’s a tribute to historical figures, frontline workers, fictional legends or the everyday heroes in our own families, we invite you to interpret this theme in your own unique way.’ 

Portarlington is proud of its traditional walking parade roots. To keep the atmosphere intimate and eco-friendly, the committee continues to champion creative non-mechanical floats that are pushed, pulled and powered by people.

An open invitation is extended to individuals and groups, near and far, to help make next year ‘not just bigger, but truly heroic’. Those who have a great idea for a float but aren't sure how to bring their vision to life can get resources and expert guidance by emailing the committee at stpatricksdayportarlington@gmail.com.

A full list of 2026 raffle winners and sponsors is available on the group’s official Facebook page, titled ‘St Patrick’s Day Parade Portarlington’. Committee members include Jennifer Rennick, Niall Donagher, Sharon Dunne, John McGettrick, Sylvia Horan and Mark Gavin.