March is Irish Heritage Month in New York State

The luck of the Irish is just around the corner. Just as Black History Month draws to a close, Irish Heritage Month begins for New Yorkers.

State Sen. David Carlucci, D-New City, presented a proclamation declaring the month of March Irish Heritage Month in New York State to the Ancient Order of Hibernians on Tuesday in his Nanuet office.

This event greatly pleased the Hibernians, who run Pearl River’s famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“The importance in remembering the history of what the Irish have done for this country is important, it’s not just an Irish thing, it’s an American thing,” said Neil Cosgrove, historian for A.O.H. Division 3. “Senator Carlucci was gracious enough to sponsor us and has been wonderful.”

“This is a really great day for us,” said Linda Sheridan, Rockland County Lady A.O.H. president. “Neil was instrumental in getting this through. We hope to see it happen nationally in the future.”

“And were working on that but still excited about Irish Heritage Month and this year’s parade,” added Cosgrove.

Det. Sgt. Timothy O’Neill of the Clarkstown Police Department, a Stony Point resident, was named as the Grand Marshall of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Pearl River.

“I’ve been going to the parade in Pearl River since it began 49 years ago. It’s a great honor to receive and I am excited to celebrate the day with the community. It’s also a great honor as an Irishman,” said O’Neill.

“I many not be of Irish decent but growing up in Rockland County I have been blessed to have the culture and experience it with the community,” said Carlucci. “We wanted to do this on the Senate floor in Albany but a lot of people wanted to be here. Today was about letting everyone know about Irish Heritage Month so they can celebrate this rich culture with us.”

The upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Pearl River, which is the second biggest in the state, is the 49th one. The parade is set for Sunday, March 20.

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