18.03.2011
'Save the Trees' float in the 2011 St. Patrick's Day Parade
The theme of the Athlone Architectural Heritage entry concerned the trees at the Fr. Mathew Hall/promenade area which face removal in the near future by Athlone Town Council to make way for the proposed art gallery. Leading our entry a copy of the John McCormack bust was carried aloft. The original sculpture is situated on a plinth adjacent to the Fr. Mathew Hall.

The heritage group have consistently objected to Athlone Town Council's plan to modify and extend the Fr. Mathew Hall to house a contemporary art gallery. The preference of the heritage group is to refurbish the Fr. Mathew Hall to house the tourist office and a museum in memory of John Count McCormack.