Claws for celebration as Redcastle's ‘Crate Escape’ crab float wins €1,000 jackpot!

The Moville St Patrick’s Day Parade celebrations concluded on a high note as the Redcastle Village Association claimed the coveted title of Best Overall float, taking home the €1,000 jackpot.

The awards ceremony, held at the Corner Bar on Friday night, March 20, brought together participants and organisers to honour the creativity and community spirit that defined this year’s festivities.

Redcastle’s winning entry, titled ‘Crate Escape’, also secured the award for Most Original float. The imaginative theme was inspired by a recent incident in which thousands of crabs escaped from the back of a crashed lorry on the outskirts of the village.

The float featured young kids dressed as crabs, as well as a trailer adorned with newly made crab pots, which was towed through the streets by Paddy Canavan, with his young daughter Sophia proudly on board.

Redcastle spokesperson Tanya McColgan said the group was “honoured and delighted” by the win. She explained that the idea came together through collaboration between children and parents in the village.

“We talked over topics that we thought would make a great float, but the ‘Crate Escape’ kept resurfacing,” she said.

The younger members of the community played a central role, even selecting a lively song for their dancing as they followed the float. Teachers, including Mrs Byrne, supported the effort, with children practising their routines during school break times.

Tanya added that the Village Association now plans to host a small presentation evening for the children, complete with pizza and tokens of appreciation.

The €1,000 prize fund will also go toward community improvements, including gravel, wildflower planting, and possibly helping to cover the Christmas tree electricity costs!

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Tanya concluded by thanking the Moville St Patrick’s Day committee for organising another “wonderful event”.

Meanwhile, the Moville St Pat’s committee praised all the 2026 participants and highlighted other category winners.

The Moville Sea Scouts were named overall runners-up, winning €500 and the Most Artistic title, while The Corner Bar also received recognition for Most Humorous entry.

McKenna's Eurospar took the Most Topical award, while Maguire’s Bar earned both Most Traditional and Best Facade.

The Flower Box won Most Sustainable, while the Good As New Charity Shop was commended for Best Window Display.