Danbury Celebrates Irish Heritage at St. Patrick's Day Parade

Marchers were bundled in their warmest Irish sweaters, wool socks and hats and plenty of green garb for Danbury’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. The frigid temperatures may have kept some spectators away, but the turnout at the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center was great despite the cold.

The parade was led by Danbury’s Celtic Cross Pipes and Drums, followed by Fr. Jeff Couture of St. Peter Church, Mayor Mark Boughton, Sen. Michael McLachlan and other local politicians. The parade was sponsored by Danbury’s Ancient Order of Hibernians whose men’s and ladies’ divisions marched proudly with their Irish flags, banners and pikes.

Kevin Hearty rode in a red mustang and waved to passersby as the mens Hibernian of the year for 2014. Judy Corbett was named ladies Hibernian of the year but was unable to participate in the parade.

The Stephen P. Driscoll Marching Band, Germantown Ancients, Fifth Connecticut Regiment, Gilleoghan Irish Dance, Danbury Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, Immaculate High School, Danbury High School’s JROTC, marching band and color guard threw candy for waiting children along the parade route on a brisk but sunny Sunday. Danbury Police, firefighters, U.S. Army and National Guard rode along the parade route and enjoyed free hot dogs and refreshments, courtesy of the Irish Cultural Center.

Parade co-chairs Anne Marie Gorman and Kevin Hearty were pleased with the turnout despite the blustery weather.

The entertainment continued at the Irish Cultural Center with Steve O’Tree’s band and dancers from Bethel’s Gilleoghan Irish Dance school.

For more information about the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center, click here.

Photos by Patrick J. Barry