Although Brooklyn’s annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade hangs a little over a month away on the calendar, parade participant’s feet are are already in swing.
On February 6, Bay Ridge’s Saint Patrick’s Auditorium hosted the 41st annual installation dance for the Irish American Parade Committee. During the dance, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians National President Mary Hogan was installed as the parade’s grand marshal.
This year’s parade honors the memories of former parade Grand Marshals Dennis Farrell, Vincent O’Connor, Father Colm Campbell and one of the committee’s founding members, Peter Heaney.
The aides to the grand marshal are Thomas Callahan – Catholic Education; Daniel Chiarantano – Ancient Order of Hibernians; Michael Coyne – Aide-At-Large; J.J. Devaney – Gaelic Sports; Brian Dilberian – Uniformed Services; Frank Jordan – Grand Council/Emerald Societies; Margaret McEneaney – Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians; Lisa Murphy – Irish Culture; and Agnes Newlinger – United Irish Counties of New York
While 2015 festivities served as the parade’s 40th anniversary, 2016 celebrations salute the centennial anniversary of the Easter Uprising, when insurrectionist Padraic Pearse, along with his political cohorts, led the 1916 rebellion against British rule in Ireland.
“Faith, history, truth and remembrance are the core of our parade,” said Kathleen McDonagh, one of the founding members of the Irish American Parade Committee. “We emphasize the intertwined history of Ireland and America. I hope our children and grandchildren continue it. We need younger blood.”
The annual Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade ceremonies are set to commence at 12 p.m. on March 20 between Ninth and 15th Streets on Prospect Park West, with a pre-parade mass to be held at 9 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 245 Prospect Park West.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
