A local Clondalkin community activist has said that he is "deeply honoured and delighted" to be named the grand marshal for this year's Clondalkin St Patrick's Day Parade.
Tommy Keogh has been chosen as the grand marshal for this year's parade, and the popular Clondalkin man is beloved in the local community for his excellent work with the Clondalkin Mens Shed, Clondalkin Tidy Towns, the Clondalkin Camera Club and the Round Tower GAA club.
Cllr Francis Timmons told Dublin Live that this year's parade comes after two years with no parade at all due to Covid-19 restrictions.
He said: "I am delighted that after two years of no parade the Clondalkin Patricks day Parade will be returning to Clondalkin village. We are delighted that the Clondalkin Youth Band and the St Josephs Pipe Band have confirmed they will be taking part. Tommy Keogh is this year's Grand Marshal, previous Grand marshals included Mary Kennedy, Colm Gavin, Mary Dardis , Philip and Gemma Carr and last year online Uimhir.
"The Clondalkin Patrick's Day Parade is always a family day out and this year there is the added bonus of an extra bank holiday the next day. We are sending out a callout to get involved and lets make it the biggest and best parade so far! The feedback so far has been in the whole very positive and a lot are looking forward to a family day out full of fun and laughs."
Speaking to Dublin Live about his exciting new role, Tommy said that he can't wait to get stuck in.
Tommy said: "I'm deeply honoured and delighted to have been elected as the grand marshal for this year's St Patrick's Day Parade in Clondalkin. I'm born and bred in Clondalkin, lived here all my life.
"I'm overwhelmed that people voted for me to be the grand marshal this year. I've always done volunteer work since I was young, I enjoy doing it and helping out around the area."
Tommy worked in Clondalkin Paper Mills for over 25 years until its closure in 1982 and his knowledge and photos were the mainstay of an Oral History project in 2014 by www.irishlifeandlore.com and South Dublin County Libraries.
In 2013 Tommy was co author with Gerry Flanagan and Malachy Mc Veigh of a Bicentennial History St Josephs BNS entitled “From the Monastery to the Boot”s.
Tommy started out as a juvenile player with Round Towers during the 50’s Tommy has served the Club as player, team manager, Club Officer , and Club President (2014-2016).
He was also honoured with a Hall of Fame award from the Club in 2002, while along the way he has photographed hundreds of teams , games and club events .
Similarly as a volunteer photographer with both the former Clondalkin People newspaper and the Parish Newsletter he has filmed many local people and visiting VIPs and events.
Tommy has also received several awards for his tireless voluntary work, such as the 2007 Lord Mayor of Dublin Award ,for Outstanding Volunteering to the Young People of Clondalkin, the 2012 Chamber of Commerce, Longtime Outstanding Community Service, the 2018 LAMA All Ireland Community Volunteer of the Year, Silver Award, and the 2018 South Dublin County Volunteer of the year.
Speaking about Tommy's selfless work for his local community, Cllr Timmons said: "Clondalkin is so much richer because of Tommy’s tireless work for his community.
“I hope Tommy being chosen as Grand Marshal lets him know how much he is appreciated and acknowledges his huge contribution.’’
The Clondalkin St Patrick's Day Parade will also pay tribute to front line workers in this year’s parade for all they did during the the Covid-19 Pandemic, nominations can be emailed to info@ClondalkinStPatricksDay.ie.
This year's St Patrick's Day Parade will take place in Clondalkin around midday on March 17.
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