Fears funding shortfalls could scupper Dragon of Shandon

Eugenie Chianese painting the tower lady for the Festival of Shandon event. Pictures: Eddie O'Hare

In a warehouse in a business park in Blackpool, the skeleton of a gigantic dragon is lying next to a huge elephant, a towering lady of the underworld, and an array of hellish creatures that will bring Cork City alive on Halloween, alongside dancers and performers in the Dragon of Shandon parade.

However, this year the charity behind the parade is feeling the pressures of limited funding and increased costs. Organisers fear that without extra investment or help from the public, the dragon’s roar won’t be heard in years to come.