Brooklyn Irish American Parade Committee celebrates honorees

Founded in 1975, Brooklyn’s Irish American Parade Committee is celebrating a milestone 40 years of parades!

The group, which always holds the parade on the third Sunday in March, kicked off the celebration early with an Installation Dance on February 7 held at St. Patrick’s Auditorium, Fourth Avenue and 97^th Street.

“We’re gearing up for the parade on Sunday, March 15 in Park Slope,” said Kathleen McDonagh, one of seven founding members of the committee. “We had a great time and it was very nice, very lively music and everyone enjoyed.”

This year’s grand marshal is John Dunleavy, chairperson of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The aides to the grand marshal are Bridget Maguire, Patrick Doherty, Peter DeAngelis, Thomas Layden, Patrick Coughlin, Noreen Steffens Alvarez, Peggy Casey, Noreen Adair, and Steve Kiernan.

The parade will take place on Sunday, March 15 beginning at 1 p.m. There will be a 9 a.m. pre-parade mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 245 Prospect Park West, with bands and marching units assembling on Prospect Park West between Ninth and 15^th Streets at noon. The Parade will kick off at Prospect Park West and 15^th Street.