Irish eyes were smiling at Park Slope Parade

The Slope was alive with the sound of bagpipes.

Tradition took over Park Slope on Sunday, March 20, as the 41^st Annual Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Parade commenced, this year, honoring the 100^th Anniversary of the Irish Rebellion/Easter Rising of 1916 as its theme.

Beginning with a parade mass at Holy Name Church (245 Prospect Park West) at 9 a.m., the day’s festivities continued well into the evening.

“It went great,” said Kathleen McDonagh, one of the parade founders. “We are grateful that the weather held up and that the groups showed up. It was very nice.”

According to McDonagh, the Consul General of Ireland in New York, Barbara Jones, was in attendance at the parade as well.

“She read the Proclamation of the 1916 Easter Rising for the 100^th anniversary,” McDonagh said.

Parade step-off began at 1 p.m. at Prospect Park West between 15^th and Ninth Streets and was followed up by a corned beef and cabbage dinner and after-party  at Holy Name Hall.

Mary Hogan, national president of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, was this year’s grand marshal.