Ex-Mountjoy boss to lead St Patrick’s parade

FORMER Mountjoy Prison governor John Lonergan is to lead this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Clonmel.

A native of nearby Bansha in south Tipperary, Mr Lonergan retired last year from his post in the country’s largest prison after decades in the prison service. His autobiography has been in the bestseller lists since before Christmas.

He succeeds homeless campaigner Alice Leahy, from Fethard outside Clonmel, who was grand marshal at last year’s March 17 parade in the town.