The organisers of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Enniskillen have said they were delighted with the success of this year’s event.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter following the parade, Project St. Patrick’s Chairperson, Feargal Shannon, said: “It was amazing – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a crowd anywhere like it in town!

“It was a mighty day, well supported by the community and participants.”

Many including the Project St. Patrick team have remarked on the huge crowd in attendance at the event.

Feargal added: “We saw a big crowd on the back road [Wellington Road], and I said to a policeman: ‘Up the town might be quiet enough’ – and he said, ‘Wait till you see up the town’!”

The highlight of the day for the Chair was arriving to the Diamond area and seeing “a sea of people” enjoying the festivities.

“Down at the Lakeland Forum, we had a couple of big showers of rain, yes, but it was packed the couple of hours we were there.

“I think I was stopped six times on Monday walking up the town from work to the bank, with people stopping us and congratulating us and telling us how much they enjoyed it.

“There has been great chat already about getting back to it [working on next year’s St. Patrick’s Day details], to try and top what we did this year. We would have to get on it early.”

A generous thanks was given by everyone involved in Project St. Patrick to those who helped support the celebrations on the day.

A spokesperson for the team thanked all of those who give generously toward the celebration.

She said: “[We offer our] thanks to the generosity of Balcas, GT Exhausts, Erne Water Taxi and Erne Adventures providing all kinds of tasters for everyone, for free.

“Thanks to local hauliers who again gave up their time and vehicles to provide chariots and stages.

“To the staff and volunteers of the Lakeland Forum, St. Michael’s Parish Centre, and the Royal British Legion Club ¬– much appreciation for providing space for us on what could have been a relaxed day off [for their staff].

“A big shout out to the volunteer marshals and the PSNI for ensuring everyone’s comfort and safety; no-one could conceive how big it would be on the day.

“Thank you to every participant and performer, and special kudos to the creativity on show in the community floats. We hope you felt rewarded by such a huge audience.

“For those that took full advantage of the free water activities, we salute you.”

She added: “The event was sponsored by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and supported by Enniskillen BID, Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, Lough Erne Branch – IWAI, and local businesses, and we are so grateful for every single penny, minute of time and word of advice provided to making 2023[‘s events] such a success.”

The organisers have asked for attendees to complete a survey to provide feedback on the St. Patrick’s Day events via https://tinyurl.com/287am4bf.