The 2009 Sydney St Patrick's Day Parade was held on
Sunday 15 March 2009
To find out more about this years parade click here
Download the Sydney St. Patrick's Day Parade Souvenir Programme here
(Please be patient - this takes several minutes on a broadband connection)
Welcome from the President
A Chairde,
Today I am very proud to welcome you to the 2009 Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade, this is indeed a momentous achievement for the Irish community in Sydney and something we can all be very proud of.
Over 30 years many people have been involved in bringing the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day from humble beginnings to what it is today, a world class event. I commend every past President and committee member for your dedication and on behalf of the Irish community of Sydney I thank you for your resourcefulness and effort.
This event of course could not happen today without the dedication of a voluntary committee who work tirelessly throughout the year to bring this celebration of Irish culture to life. The committee are all professionals with full time jobs, who give up their time and expertise for the reward of seeing an amazing day taking place.
Taking on the meaningful role of President for the 2009 Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day was a huge decision, the task ahead was daunting and I felt a crucial responsibility to the Irish Community to deliver the St Patrick’s Day celebration that they deserve. Over the last few months I have been asked many times why I decided to take on this significant role, when preparing to have a child.
To be honest, it is the very fact that my wife and I were preparing to welcome our first son, Seamus into our lives that made me unwavering in my decision to lead the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day Committee for 2009. I am determined that my son will grow up with a very strong sense of his Irish heritage and culture and an understanding that Irish hands helped to build this magnificent harbour city both physically and spiritually.
I would like the community to continue with taking this day of celebration forward for many years to come.
I hope that you will enjoy the 2009 Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day, and I thank each and every one of you for supporting this event and keeping the tradition of celebrating the day of our Patron Saint alive here in Sydney.
La Feíle Pádraig duit,
Gerard