In loving memory and in rich parade tradition, Church and Chapel streets to be renamed of "Audrey S. Gallogly Way" and "Cliff Thomson Boulevard".

One of the oldest traditions of the modern parade is the Street Naming. Beginning in 1956, when the parade was re-established, Church Street was re-named John Costello Boulevard in honor of Ireland’s Prime Minister. The tradition has held ever since.

In loving memory and with great honor, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee announces two members of the Irish community for which Chapel and Church streets will be renamed on Sunday, March 15, 2015, the day of the Parade. The New Haven Board of Alders has approved an order designating Church and Chapel Streets as “Audrey S. Gallogly Way” and “Cliff Thomson Boulevard”.

Both Audrey and Cliff were deeply dedicated to their families, friends, the Irish Community, and beyond. Sadly, Cliff passed away on August 23, 2014, at the age of 61 and Mary Audrey Shea Gallogly passed away on December 17, 2014, at the age of 86.

Donald Clifford Thomson lived in Shelton, Woodbridge, and West Haven. He graduated from West Haven High School in 1970 and graduated from Norwalk Technical College in 1972. Cliff was a loving husband to Joyce and a dedicated father to his son, Kevin. Cliff was a loyal and loving son, brother, and dear friend to all. He worked for IBM for over 35 years and he was an assistant scout leader in Woodbridge. He was a member of the West Haven Irish American Club as well as a very dedicated member of the NHSPDPC for many years. His numerous electrical and carpentry contributions to the NHSPDPC will always be greatly appreciated. Cliff volunteered numerous events and would always be seen manning the coffee station at all of our corned beef dinner fundraisers. Cliff was a master at making the traditional wooden Irish walking stick. Many current members are fortunate enough to own one made by him. Cliff was an avid supporter of the many Irish events and fundraisers, including the annual Irish Festivals. He was a fan of travel and baseball and enjoyed taking trips to Toronto & Quebec with his dear friend, Marty. Cliff was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever and wherever needed. Cliff is remembered as a very kind man always willing to help and, of course, his wonderful sense of humor will be commemorated forever. Many of his “cliffieisms” will be greatly missed and recollected for years to come. It is with great pleasure that the Greater New Haven Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee rename Chapel Street“Cliff Thomson Boulevard”in honor of his exceptional life-long devotion and passion to the Irish Community.

Mary Audrey Shea Gallogly grew up in the Fox Point Section of Providence, Rhode Island. She moved to New Haven, CT in 1952 as the wife of William F. Gallogly, Jr. At that time, Audrey was introduced to the Greater New Haven Irish Community. When her father-in-law, William F. Gallogly Sr. initiated the idea of restarting the Greater New Haven Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in 1956, Audrey was eager to get involved any way possible. She immersed herself from the inception. As soon as she was permitted, she became a member of the West Haven Irish American Club of West Haven and the Irish American Community Center of East Haven. Before becoming a member of the sponsoring Irish Societies, Audrey was behind the scenes assisting and volunteering for the preparation of the Parade. Once a member, she immediately became active in all aspects of the committee. She was primarily known for organizing and overseeing the plans and arrangements involved with the Annual Parade Ball. Whether she was baking for the many different fundraising events, spending hours making phone calls, or supervising the event tables, Audrey was always there. She was so highly respected by the Irish Community that on March 8, 2014, she was awarded the esteemed “APPRECIATION AWARD”for all of her acheivements and accomplishments she put forth within the Irish Community. It is with great pleasure that the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee re-name Church Street “Audrey S. Gallogly Way” in her honor.

The Sunday, March 15th parade steps off at 1:30 p.m., at the intersection of Chapel and Sherman streets, moves east on Chapel Street, north on Church Street, slows in front of the reviewing stand in front of City Hall, then continues past City Hall onto Grove Street.

We hope to see you with your loved ones at our St. Patrick’s Day Parade this Sunday, March 15!!