Bay Ridge

St. Patrick’s Parade brightens Bay Ridge

Irish eyes smiling on Third Ave.

March 26, 2018 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Surrounded by children and grandchildren, Mike and Eileen Long ride the parade route aboard a float as the Irish Family of the Year. Eagle photo by Paula Katinas
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The Bay Ridge Saint Patrick’s Day Parade took place more than a week after St. Patrick’s Day, but that made it extra special in the eyes of the spectators who lined the parade route to cheer for the bag pipe bands, Irish step dancers and other marchers.

The 25th annual Bay Ridge Saint Patrick’s Day Parade took place on Third Avenue on Sunday amid sunny skies and a crisp chill in the air as temperatures hovered in the mid-40s all afternoon.

The eight-day gap between the festive Irish holiday and the Bay Ridge celebration only served to whet the appetite of those waiting eagerly for the Southwest Brooklyn march.

Among those having a great time were Mike and Eileen Long, one of Bay Ridge’s most prominent couples. Together with their nine children and their numerous grandchildren, the Longs were selected by the parade’s organizing committee as the Irish Family of the Year.

The Longs rode the parade route aboard a colorful float.

Mike Long is chairman of the Board of Directors of Holy Angels Catholic Academy. He is a famous figure in politics thanks to his role as chairman of the New York State Conservative Party.

State Sen. Marty Golden (R-C-Bay Ridge-Southwest Brooklyn), one of the founders of the original parade, was honored by the parade committee at its dinner dance in January. “We started this parade 25 years ago with Mike Long and some others and it’s great to be honored this year along with Mike and his family,” Golden told Eagle at the dinner.

The Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade first parade took place on March 27, 1994.

The grand marshal was Martin J. Cottingham, president of the Irish American Building Society.

The deputy marshals were Mary M. Koren, Stephen G. Gorton, Deirdre Cronin Butler, Brother Campion F. Lally, Angela Connolly-Coyle, Greg McGuinness, Liza Schneider-Lloyd, Brendan Moloney, Mary McDonagh Manning and Connor P. O’Mara.

For more information on the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade, visit http://www.brparade.com/home.

 

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