St Patrick’s Day parades in Omagh and Enniskillen cancelled

10th March 2020

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Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has cancelled this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations and parade in Omagh in light of the growing level of concern regarding the spread of coronavirus, COVID-19. 

Project St Patrick, which organises the St Patrick’s Day celebrations and parade in Enniskillen supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, has also taken the decision not to proceed.

Speaking about the decision to cancel the St Patrick’s Day festivities in Fermanagh and Omagh, Chair of the Council, Councillor Siobhán Currie said:

“The Council has continued to monitor and review the situation relating to COVID-19 and, whilst there has been no change in the advice issued from the Public Health Agency or The Executive Office with regard to large scale public gatherings, following discussion at the Regeneration and Community Committee the Council has taken the decision to cancel the St Patrick’s Day event in Omagh as a precautionary measure.

The safety of the general public and Council staff is paramount. It is against this backdrop of growing concerns regarding COVID-19 that the Council has taken this decision.  I appreciate this will come as a disappointment to many, particularly those community groups and organisations who have put in so much effort for both parades and on behalf of the Council and I thank them for all their support and understanding.

The Council will continue to act in accordance with any advice provided by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and  I would urge people to be mindful of protecting themselves and others by following the guidance on hygiene and washing hands regularly.”

Chairman of Project St. Patrick, Feargal Shannon added “It is with great disappointment that St Patrick’s Day events will not go ahead as planned.  We are particularly mindful of all the great work done in preparation in communities across Fermanagh. However, people’s health and safety is paramount.  In the spirit of this year’s theme “2020 Vision: Future, Space and Science”, we look forward to the future and running the parade and fun day at a time when people feel more comfortable to enjoy what we’ve worked towards.”

For further information and advice in relation to coronavirus, Covid-19, please visit www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus