The Crawley Saint Patrick’s Weekend 2004, was the first of its kind to take place in the area and was intended to demonstrate Irish culture to the town.

Irish Dance shows attracted large crowds in Queens Square, all day on Saturday 13 March 2004. The Mullins School of Irish Dance and the Brooklands dance troupe presented sets that demonstrated traditional Irish Dance and contemporary forms.
The Saint Patrick’s Celtic Weave on Saturday 13 March at the Friary Hall, was a sell out. The award winning New Ross and District Pipe Band presented a show that combined together different forms of Irish dance, story, song and music for a truly unique experience. Event sponsors Gerry Hickey from Coinford Construction commented:

“I have never seen anything quite like it, it was unique. It was clear that the New Ross Band were amongst the best in the world”.

The first ever Foundation Developments Limited Saint Patrick’s Parade took place on Sunday 14 March 2004 from 1pm. Marchers from Saint Wilfred’s School, Mullins Dance School and the London UN ex-servicemen took part. The marchers numbered in their hundreds and it was a great success. The Mayor of Crawley, Brian Quinn, led the Parade with his wife Susan ahead of the award winning New Ross and District Pipe Band.

The free open-air concert, Celtic Experience,kicked off 2pm-5pm in Crawley BR Station Car Park. The weather didn’t dampen spirits but dampened everything else. Mayor Brian Quinn led the ‘Sack the Bouzouki’ band in song with a rendition of ‘Wild Rover’ and the U2-like group Us4 concluded with ‘It’s a beautiful day’.

Bob Martin, Celtic and Irish Cultural Society Chairman summarised:

“The weekend was organised for the benefit of the people of Crawley and the surrounding areas. Much was free, paid for by sponsors Foundation Developments, Coinford, L F Nugent, O’Farrell and Bank of Ireland. Whilst we couldn’t control the weather for the concert on Sunday, the Parade was a great success. With the support of the council and sponsors, we look forward to next years weekend when the weather will be more favourable!!! We’ve spoken to a few priests and they’re putting in a good word.”

[Sponsors]

Crawley’s Holiday Inn hosted the ninth annual dinner and dance organised by the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society, on 6 March 2004.

Around two hundred people attended the fundraiser for Saint Patrick’s Weekend. Also in attendance was His Worship, the Mayor of Crawley Brian Quinn.

First prize in the raffle was a 14-inch portable Dolby Digital Television with integrated DVD player. First prize was won by Paula and Steve Melhuish from Salfords/Redhill. They will be donating the television to Robin Ward at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The Saint Patrick’s Weekend, Crawley takes place from 12-14 March 2004 and includes dance presentations and a gala pipe concert called Celtic Weave on Saturday 13th March and the first ever Saint Patrick’s Parade and a free open-air concert from 1pm on Sunday 14th March adjacent to Crawley BR station.

Bank of Ireland confirm support of the Saint Patrick’s Weekend 2004 through sponsorship.

Bank of Ireland is one of the world’s longest established banks. Assets of almost £50 billion and a staff of more than 16,000 make Bank of Ireland Group one of the top 500 businesses in the world. They are a major provider of financial services in key markets of Ireland and Britain, with a significant asset management business internationally.

The Bank’s operations in Great Britain were recently brought together as one business unit called Bank of Ireland UK Financial Services. The new unit is the largest Division of Bank of Ireland, employing 5,500 staff. Based on last year’s results, it delivered pre tax profits of £237 million. The Division includes Bank of Ireland Great Britain, Bristol & West, Bank of Ireland Northern Ireland and Chase de Vere Investments.

The Pipe Band perform the Celtic Weave on 13 March, and lead the FDL Saint Patrick’s Parade on 14 March. They will also be performing at the Emerald Club on Friday 12 March 2004. Bank of Ireland Group will sponsor the The New Ross and District Pipe Band throughout the weekend.