St. Patrick's Parade.
A Big Thank You!
On March 17th 2013, St. Patrick's Day, the Irish-American Club sponsored the St. Patrick's Parade in Portland Maine as part of its celebration of 40 years fostering and preserving Irish Culture.
The parade was a huge success, and thanks are due not only to the Board of the Club for their diligent work in organizing, but also to our sponsors who make the parade better because of their contributions.
Special thanks to Pat's Pizza, our new heroes who have stepped up to help us and promised more help in the future.
Long-time supporters Bull Feeney's always come through for us as does Rí-Rá.
In the last few years Gritty McDuff's has come on board, and we heartily welcome them.
Please support our sponsors. Tell them you appreciate their association with the Irish American Club.
As always it was a wonderful spectacle, featuring our first responders, the Dunlap and the Claddagh Mhor Pipe bands, and of course the fabulous Stillson Step Dancers.
Local dignitaries including the Mayor of Portland, Michael Francis Patrick Brennan, U.S. Senator Chellie Pingrie, and State Senator Margaret Craven shared the podium with Mary McAleney of the Maine Irish Heritage Center.
Kathy Reilly, President of the Irish American Club welcomed our guests and recognized and thanked the other Irish organizations who turned out to honor our Patron saint. These included the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Portland Hurling Club and Maine State Gaelic Association's Youth Hurling Development Group.
A special thank you was given to Carlene Stillson and her wonderful dancers who support the Club on a regular basis and have done so for years.
Last but not least the flags of all 32 Counties of Ireland fluttered proudly once again in the breeze, indicating our unity and pride.
It was a wonderful family occasion, worthy of the City of Portland and the whole State of Maine.
Join us next year for the parade. Check this site for the correct time and place and plan for a great time!
After the parade a reception, honoring the Irish American Club's 40 years of service to the Irish community was held at the Maine Irish Heritage Center. Food, drink, music and dance ensued.
Why not join the Club, or renew your membership? That's the life blood of the Irish American Club and helps support events like the Parade, Ceili Dancing and Irish Language lessons.
Club History
In 1972 the preparations began for the formation of an organization under the direction of Mr. Joe Moran. At that time, Joe and many Irish natives and first and second generation Irish saw a need and acted.
In 1973 the Irish American Club was incorporated with the State of Maine and to this day has brought the Irish of Maine together for music, dance, language, history and many other social events.
Some years ago the Club instituted a St.Patrick's Parade worthy of the City of Portland and for six years the flags of every county in Ireland have been proudly carried in the parade showing our unity and pride.
The parade is held annually in March honoring St. Patrick and the men and women from Ireland who left their homes and traveled to the United States for a better life. They and their descendants have left a rich heritage of which we can all be proud.
Join the Irish American Club. It's your family.
For more information about joining the Club, volunteering or sponsoring the parade, contact club2@irishofmaine.org.
Ceili
