County Roscommon native grand marshal for Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Ballintubber native George Candler was the grand marshal for the Kilkenny St Patrick’s Day Parade. Pic: Courtesy St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny
A County Roscommon native was the grand marshal for the Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
George Candler, from the parish of Ballintubber, is no stranger to the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, having served as the master of ceremonies for Kilkenny’s national celebration for several decades.
In recognition of his contribution to Kilkenny and local life in his adopted home, Kilkenny County Council named Mr Candler as the grand marshal.
A former recipient of a Person of the Year Award, George Candler is a highly respected local livestock auctioneer. His stellar reputation and expertise in cattle, sheep, horse and pedigree livestock sales were built over nearly 55 years in the agricultural mart sector, earning him national recognition.
His father was the founding chairman of Roscommon Mart in 1959. Mr Candler moved to Kilkenny in 1972 as a trainee auctioneer.
He quickly became immersed in local life, joining the Friary Folk Choir, later the Kilkenny Gospel Choir and Kilkenny Musical Society, as well as Kilkenny Rugby Football Club, where he played and coached for many years. He has been a member of the Kilkenny Lions Club for over 30 years, has given his time to multiple local fundraisers, and was honoured with a humanitarian award.
