Irish American Parade Committee celebrates 40 years at this year’s parade

The green was in full swing on Sunday, March 15 as the Irish American Parade Committee celebrated a milestone 40 years together at this year’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, held along Prospect Park South in Park Slope.

“It started with our first parade in 1976,” explained one of the founding members of the committee, Kathleen McDonagh. “We formed everything in 1975 and [this year] was our 40^th anniversary. It was very good as usual with the groups and the bands.”

The day’s pre-parade mass was held at 9 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Church before the route began at 15^th Street and Prospect Park West. The parade then marched down 15^th Street to Seventh Avenue, all the way up to Garfield Place, and the back along Prospect Park West to 15^th Street.

“The only thing was the weather, it was a little cold,” mentioned McDonagh. “Otherwise, we were very lucky it wasn’t raining or snowing.”

The post-parade party was held at Holy Name’s Shepherd’s Hall and featured a corned beef and cabbage dinner along with live music by Frank Keegan. This year’s parade grand marshal was John Dunleavey, chairperson of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade.