Classic Rock, giant rabbits, pirates, mobile GAA pitches, glamourous make-overs and of course, Big Bird doing wheelies on the main street, this year’s Rush St. Patrick’s Day Parade had it all. Rush Community Council and community groups from across the town worked together to put on a packed weekend of events for all. Kicking off with the Music Jamboree at St Catherine’s School on the Friday afternoon, Saturday then saw a community clean up led by Rush Tidy Towns, followed by free self-defence lessons for courtesy of Rush Boxing Club and then Rush Community First Responders held a demonstration and information centre on CPR and life saving techniques at the Community Centre. Saturday was topped off with a Let’s Play Rush pop up event where kids and adults could engage in some free play, battle with giant Jenga’s or try their luck at the card table. St. Patrick’s Day started early with the Leprechaun Park Run event with congratulations to Bobby Sheridan who came in first. Then leaning into this year’s theme of Let’s Hear it for Rush local band The Upstrokes played some rock hits to entertain the crowds gathering for the parade. They were followed by the truly excellent Home Harmonies group from Rush Musical Society who played some choice tunes from their extensive repertoire. In a special treat, the two groups then came together to really blow people away, finishing their set with a fist pumping rendition of Rainbow’s ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’. As the parade participants were readying their drums, whistles and flags Rush Senior Citizens Group were hosting tea and sandwiches at the centre for all local seniors. The parade itself was a riot of colour and a symphony of raucous noise and fun. Top prizes in the annual parade competition went to St. Maur’s GAA who literally brought their best game with them … on the back of a flatbed truck. Following the parade I12 Nails treated all to a free St. Patrick’s Manicure and then the Rush Sensational Swimmers hosted a swim at the North Beach.