The NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade goes virtual on Twitter @StPatsParadeNYC and Facebook @NYCStPatricksDayParade on St Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17, 2021.
The NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade
The parade normally marches proudly up Fifth Avenue past St Patrick’s Cathedral. In 2020, New York City locked down to fight the COVID-19 Pandemic on March 12, just days before the parade. The event was cancelled, but a small group of the organizers marched privately to keep this very old New York City tradition alive.
The first parade was in 1762. This is the 260th parade.
NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade 2021
This year, the parade honors First Responders and Essential Workers. Many members of the NYPD and the FDNY are of Irish descent – even today. Many of New York City’s essential workers are Latin.
Joining the police helped Irish Americans overcome the nationalist and sometimes religious prejudice that followed them from Ireland to New York City. It’s an example that other communities might follow.
It’s also worth remembering that we were once an immigrant community too, and suffered greatly for the experience. That should help us be more understanding of today’s essential workers who are themselves following a path blazed by our Irish ancestors over a hundred years ago.
Honorees
This year’s Parade Grand Marshal is James T. Callahan, General President of the International Union of Operating Engineers, an AFL-CIO trade union that represents skilled construction workers.
He is joined in honor by:
- Christine J. Flaherty – NYC Health + Hospitals Corporation, SVP
- Edward Grayson – Commissioner, N.Y.C. Dept. of Sanitation
- Kate B. O’Neill MSN RN – Northwell Health – Emergency Medicine
- Thomas J. Ryan – Sergeant, Port Authority Police
- Dr. Thomas G. McGinn – Parade Medical Advisor & EVP CommonSpirit Health
- Clive J. Anderson – Pelham Funeral Home, Proprietor
- Dr. Brian P. McKenna –Northwell Health – Physician Partner & VP
- Josef M. Daggett (Joe) – Emerald Guild Resident Managers
- Sean Kennedy – Catholic Faith Network, Executive Producer
- Col. James P. Tierney – “The Fighting 69th”/ National Guard
- Kevin Barry – Home Healthcare Workers, IUJAT – Business Agent
- Megan O’Malley – Deputy Inspector, N.Y.P.D.
- Edward P. Boles – Battalion Chief, F.D.N.Y.
- Patricia M. Farrell MSN RN NEC – Northwell Health – Nursing Executive
- Robert F. Ellis – Captain, N.Y.C. Dept. of Correction
- Edward M. Moloney – Sergeant, New York State Courts
- John T. Conroy – Director of Security 9/11 Memorial & Museum
It’s interesting to note not only the people, but the roles they play in making New York City a great place to live and work. Thank you for your service!
Parade Day Schedule
St Patrick’s Day is always a busy day in New York City.
- 8:30am: Livestream Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- 10am: A virtual parade of past highlights
- 11am: Emmy nominee Mike Mathis livestreams on Facebook with entertainers Andy Cooney (Irish America’s favorite son) and Irish folk singer Moya Brennan
- 5pm: TV interviews with parade leaders and honorees on Catholic Faith Network
- 7pm: St. Patrick’s Day Parade show on WNBC Channel 4
Support the NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade
Even virtual parades cost money. You can sponsor the NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade at nycstpatricksparade.org
