Mayor John Coonan hits out at claims of a meet and greet as part of Kilkenny city St Patrick's Day festivities

We’re just one day away from the roll out of St Patrick’s Day parades and there’s some disquiet for one local organising team.

The Kilkenny city crew is coming under fire for a €35 fee for a place at special seating at a Grandstand on Bateman quay which guarantees full view of the festivities, but added to that was a separate €20 charge for the post parade reception which included light bites and a meet and greet with the Mayor of Kilkenny.

Many hit out at the costs and in a social media post yesterday (Sunday, 15th March) Mayor John Coonan outlined that he did not endorse, get consulted on or agree to any meet and greet package nor will he be participating in any ticketed event.

Before that reveal, KCLR News’ Dermot Keyes had spoken to Mayor Coonan following the City Municipal District meeting last Friday where the grandstand costs were discussed;