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Co Armagh village becomes latest to call halt to St Patrick’s Day parade amid coronavirus concerns

'Our decision has been made as a precaution given the spread of coronavirus and growing concern amongst the public'

Blackwatertown St Patrick's Parade

A local community group has called off its annual St Patrick’s Day parade through a Co Armagh village.

Blackwatertown Community Development Association has decided to “postpone” the event, which had been due to take place this Tuesday, March 17.

In a statement the group said: “Our decision has been made as a precaution given the spread of coronavirus and growing concern amongst the public.

“We have taken the decision to postpone our St Patrick’s Day Celebrations to protect the health and wellbeing of our community.”

The decision follows earlier confirmations to call off parades in Newry and Downpatick.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council made the announcement on Tuesday.

They followed the announcement on Monday by Cormeen Rising Sons of Ulster Flute Band to cancel a St Patrick’s Night parade in Armagh city centre.

St Patrick’s Day parades scheduled for the afternoon in both Armagh and Keady are still going ahead as planned.

Both organising bodies have said they are watching the situation closely.

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