Women of Irish Heritage

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Women of Irish Heritage
2015
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Alexandria, VA — March 7, 2015
P ro u d S p o n s or s
gm@danieloconnells.com
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.....................................................................................................1
The Ballyshaners, Inc...............................................................................................2
Welcome from the Chairman.................................................................................3
Welcome from Ambassador Anderson....................................................................4
Welcome from Mayor Euille...................................................................................5
Presidential Proclamation of Irish-American Heritage Month.................................6
Welcome from Congressman Beyer.........................................................................7
Grand Marshal Laureen O’Neill-James.....................................................................8
Grand Marshal History...........................................................................................10
Grand Marshal’s Ball.............................................................................................13
Historic Parades of Alexandria...............................................................................16
History of St. Patrick..............................................................................................21
Classic Car Show...................................................................................................22
Support and Participate..........................................................................................24
Parade Route........................................................................................................ 31
Irish Step Dancing.................................................................................................41
Who are the Ballyshaners?.....................................................................................42
Symbols of Ireland.................................................................................................48
Parade Dedication: Women of Irish Heritage.........................................................50
Thank You to Our Supporters................................................................................52
Irish Festival...........................................................................................................53
Our Generous Patrons............................................................................................54
Kids Activities........................................................................................................58
Index of Advertisers...............................................................................................64
Notice
The Ballyshaners, Inc., is a non-profit, non-commercial, non-sectarian, and non-partisan corporation organized and operated
exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. All members of the organization are volunteers and do not receive
compensation for their participation. All proceeds generated from events sponsored by The Ballyshaners, Inc., are used for
charitable and educational events. The Ballyshaners, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) organization.
All events listed are subject to change. Information contained here is only as current as the printing date of this program. For
more complete information, contact a Parade Marshal along the parade route.
© 2015 by The Ballyshaners, Inc. No part of this program may be used in any way without written permission.
Cover: O’Neill-James School of Irish Dancing
2014 Parade “Best in Show” winner
photo by Mike Pablo
For more information on The Ballyshaners,
visit www.ballyshaners.org and look for us on
Facebook and Twitter.
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The Ballyshaners, Inc.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee
Officers
Members
J. J. Kelly, Chairman
Rick Regan, President
Mike Pablo, Vice President
Ginny Kelly, Secretary
Patrick J. Sims, Treasurer
Pat Troy, Chairman Emeritus
Joan Baker
John Boseker
Rebekah Bryk
Tim Collins
Tina Collins
Erin Connors
Sue Degnan
Ben Fiore-Walker
Greg Granahan
Kimberley Granahan
Maggie Hayes
Kirstin Knott
Jessica Likas
Pam McGinty
Tasha Pablo
Bonnie Regan
Nancy & Tom Van Coverden
Bob & Pat Whitman
Rebecca Zwisler
Committee Heads
Gene Bransfield, Grand Marshal Dinner
Kimberlee Bryce, Parade Magazine
John Bryk, Parade Captain
Tom Connors, Car Show
Amanda Gordon, Legal Counsel
Leslie Hutcheson, Press Coordinator
Kaitlin Likas, Assistant Lead Marshal
Kim Moore, Lead Marshal
Shannon Paciorek, Fun Dog Show
Mike Pablo, Webmaster
Danny Sheehan, Awards
Harold Sinnett, Grand Marshal Dinner and
Quartermaster
Patty Theobald, Parade Magazine Sales
Jim Griffin, Member Emeritus
Doug Thurman, Member Emeritus
Greg Meadows, Member Emeritus
Preserving and Promoting Irish Heritage
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Women of Irish Heritage.
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Presidential Proclamation — Irish-American Heritage Month, 2014
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Centuries after America welcomed the first sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle to our shores, Irish heritage continues to
enrich our Nation. This month, we reflect on proud traditions handed down through the generations, and we celebrate the
many threads of green woven into the red, white, and blue.
Irish Americans have defended our country through times of war, strengthened communities from coast to coast, and
poured sweat and blood into building our infrastructure and raising our skyscrapers. Some endured hunger, hardship, and
prejudice; many rose to be leaders of government, industry, or culture. Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the
Irish character, a people who never stopped dreaming of a brighter future and never stopped striving to make that dream a
reality. Today, Americans of all backgrounds can find common ground in the values of faith and perseverance, and we can all
draw strength from the unshakable belief that through hard work and sacrifice, we can forge better lives for ourselves and our
families.
The American and Irish peoples enjoy a friendship deepened by both shared heritage and shared ideals. On the international
stage, we are proud to work in concert toward a freer, more just world. As we honor that enduring connection during IrishAmerican Heritage Month, let us look forward to many more generations of partnership. May the bond between our peoples
only grow in the centuries to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by
the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2014 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call
upon all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand
fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.
Note: Since 1991, the President has annully proclaimed March to be Irish-American Heritage month. However, the
proclamations are issued too late to be included in our program each year. Therefore, we annually present the proclamation from the preceeding year.
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Women of Irish Heritage
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A
Laureen
O'Neill-James
Grand
Marshal
s of Saturday, March 7, 2015, the O’Neill-James School of Irish Dancing will have
performed every year for 34 years in the Ballyshaners’ annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in
Alexandria. Laureen thanks the parade committee for their dedication and is extremely honored
to have been chosen as the 2015 Ballyshaners Grand Marshal. Having won “Best in Parade” on
numerous occasions, Laureen and her husband Fred also thank their dancers and parents for
their loyalty and support.
Laureen is the proud daughter and former pupil of her late mother Peggy (Hannon) O’Neill.
Peggy was voted the 1978 “Gael of the Year.” Both Laureen and her Mum won their first medals
at the age of four. Peggy won the Senior Scottish Championship while she was expecting
Laureen; hence the saying, “Laureen was born to dance.” In 1987, both Frank and Peggy O’Neill
were posthumously inducted into the “Irish Cultural Hall of Fame,” the first couple ever to be
inducted.
Laureen has emulated her late mother in many ways. She has won the Scottish Championship at
every level—Minor, Junior, and Senior—several times, won a total of 25 championships, among
them the Cross Channel Championship at the Father Mathew Feis in Dublin, and has won 263
medals. Her 4-hand team, including her brother Frank, won the “All-Ireland” in the Mansion
House in Dublin in 1963, the first non-Irish-born team ever to win a figure dance competition
in the All-Ireland. Laureen left Scotland in October 1964 as the reigning “Senior Champion of
Scotland.”
As well as being an adjudicator, Laureen is still very involved in teaching and has a thriving
school of Irish Dancing in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. Her two sons, Freddie and Robbie,
followed in her footsteps by winning their first medal at the age of four, winning their own
championships and competing in the world championships in the Mansion House in Dublin
1983. Freddie and his mother introduced Irish dancing to the T.V. show Dance Fever, won their
show, and continued onto the finals. Robbie followed in their footsteps when he, too, danced on
Dance Fever.
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Laureen’s students have competed in the World Championships and several were regional
champions. Her dancers have danced for Presidents, Prime Ministers, Cardinals and the
homeless. Laureen and her students formed an honor guard for President and Mrs. Clinton and
their guests, including Michael Flatley, as they arrived for a gala event at the White House on
Saint Patrick’s Day just after the “peace treaty” was signed in 1998. Hillary Clinton featured two
of the dancers from the O’Neill-James School in her book “An Invitation to the White House.”
Laureen is proud to acknowledge her three former “Miss Rose of Tralees” and the now reigning
2010 Miss Virginia.
Laureen and her mother are featured in the first edition of the Irish American Who’s Who and
are shown in a photograph displaying Irish dancing costumes in Dr. Sean Cullinane’s first book.
Laureen and her husband Fred are former “Canadian Jitter-Bug Champions,” hold several titles,
and are recognized in the ballroom dancing field as accomplished professionals with a great
reputation. They are listed in the Executive Professional Section of the Global Register’s Who’s
Who. Fred was chosen as choreographer for the movie Dance with Me.
The Irish American Club asked Laureen to teach William Hurt an Irish jig when he was in
Washington for the movie Broadcast News. With the O’Neill-James school, they have promoted
the “All-American Championships” and the Nation’s Capital Feis every year since 1987.
She was appointed the first Southern Regional Director of the Irish Dancing Teachers Association
and was accepted unanimously into the the “North American Feis Commission Hall of Fame” in
2003, was voted the 2009 Best-Mannered Teacher by the National League of Junior Cotillions,
and was nominated to receive the 2009 Woman of the Year distinction by the American
Biographical Institution. Laureen became a citizen of the United States of America on June 23,
1987.
On Sunday, March 13, 2011, Laureen was honored to be able to march down Constitution
Avenue as a marshal for the Washington D.C. St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Laureen’s goal is to continue promoting her Irish heritage and instill the great tradition of our
culture into her students. A woman of few words, Laureen “lets her feet do the talking.”
This year’s parade is dedicated to Women of Irish Heritage!
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Grand Marshals
of the Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade
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Bryan “Bugsy”
Edwin
Cardinal
Watson
O’Brien
(2013)
Martin White
(2014)
(2008)
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Grand Marshals
of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria
1982 - Sir Patrick Hayes: Impresario and founder of the Washington Performing Arts Society
1983 - Sonny Jurgenson: Former Washington Redskins Quarterback
1984 - Frank Harden & Jackson Weaver: WMAL Radio personalities
1985 - Mark Murphy: Former Washington Redskins Safety
1986 - Ed Walker & John Lyon: WMAL Radio personalities
1987 - Pat Collins: General Assignment Reporter for WRC-TV
1988 - Mark Russell: Political humorist and columnist
1989 - Bob Ryan: WRC-TV Meteorologist and Emmy Award Winner
1990 - Charlie Casserly: General Manager, Washington Redskins
1991 - Margaret Heckler: Former Ambassador to Ireland
1992 - Mark Rypien: Former Washington Redskins Quarterback
1993 - Tom Bresnahan: President and General Manager, WMAL Radio
1994 - Larry L. King: Author of Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
1995 - Connie Doolan: Executive officer with the Guinness Importing Company
1996 - Bill Trumbull & Chris Core: WMAL Radio personalities
1997 - Tom Dolan: 1996 Olympic Gold Medal Winning Swimmer
1998 - Gordon Peterson: WUSA Anchor and Emmy Award Winner
1999 - Judge Daniel Fairfax O’Flaherty: Alexandria General District Court (retired)
2000 - Vola Lawson: City Manager, City of Alexandria (Retired)
2001 - John Harter: WJLA-TV Newsman
2002 - Captain James Hegarty: New York Police Department
Major General James T. Jackson: U.S. Army Military District of Washington
Chief Edward P. Plaugher: Arlington County Fire Department
2003 - Carol Wheeler: DC Coordinator, Project Children
2004 - Sean O’Keefe: NASA Administrator
2005 - Martin O’Malley: Mayor of Baltimore, Maryland
2006 - John T. Dunleavy: Chairman, New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
2007 - Kerry J. Donley: Former Mayor of Alexandria
2008 - His Excellency, Edwin O’Brien: Archbishop of Baltimore
2009 - James V. Kimsey: Founding CEO of America Online
2010 - Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody: Commanding General, U.S. Army Material Command
2011 - Tom and Nancy Van Coverden: President NACHC and Volunteer/Philanthropist
2012 - Tom and Melinda Mooney: Proprietors of Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
2013 - Bryan “Bugsy” Watson: former NHL player and former proprietor of Bugsy’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
2014 - Martin White, proprietor of Fiona’s Irish Pub in Alexandria
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Grand Marshal’s Ball
Last year’s Grand Marshal of the
2014 parade was Martin White,
proprietor of Fiona’s Irish Pub in
Alexandria.
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Grand Marshals’ Ball
L
et the festivities begin! To kick off Irish-American month for the City, and as a prelude to annual
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Alexandria, the Ballyshaners host the Grand Marshal Dinner on
the eve of the Parade. The highlight of this black-tie affair is the official installation of the Parade
Grand Marshal. In this, our thirty-fourth year, we are very proud and honored to have selected Laureen
O’Neill-James of the O’Neill-James School of Irish Dancing as our Grand Marshal. The dance school
has performed at every Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Alexandria for 34 years and won “Best of Parade”
in 2014. Laureen’s goal is to continue promoting her Irish heritage and instill the great tradition of our
culture in her students.
Although the official investiture is the main purpose of this event, the Ballyshaners—as you would
expect of the Irish—toast the occasion with merriment and cheer. The Grand Marshal and guests wine,
dine, and dance into the wee hours.The Grand Marshal Dinner is held each year and is open to friends
and all who wish to capture the Irish spirit. So, let your hair down, celebrate, and groove with the
green! For more information on the Ball, please visit our website, www.Ballyshaners.org, and join in this
traditional celebration next year.
Pictured below is the installation of last year’s Grand Marshal, Martin White.
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Historical Parades of Alexandria, VA
Then & Now...
A view of the intersection of King and Pitt Streets looking west during the 1899 sesquicentennial parade
(left) and how it appears today in 2015 (right).
Bicenntennial parade 1932
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1976 bicenntennial parade near Gadsby’s
Tavern
2014 Parade
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2014 Parade
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History of St. Patrick
t. Patrick of Ireland was born around 385 in Scotland, probably Kilpatrick. His parents were
Calpurnius and Conchessa, Romans living in Britain in charge of the colonies. As a boy of
14 or so, he was captured by a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend
sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids and Pagans. He learned the language and practices of
the people who held him. During his captivity, he turned to God in prayer. He wrote:
The love of God and His fear grew in me more and more, as did the Faith, and my soul was
roused, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly
the same. I prayed in the wood and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the
snow or ice or rain.
Patrick’s captivity lasted until he was 20 years old, when he escaped after having a dream from God in
which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him
back to Britain, where he reunited with his family. Later, he had another dream in which the people of
Ireland were calling out to him, “We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more.”
He began his studies for the priesthood and was ordained by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre,
whom he had studied under for years. Later, Patrick was ordained a bishop, and was sent to take
the Gospel to Ireland. He arrived in Ireland March 25, 433, at Plane. One legend says that he met a
chieftain of one of the tribes, who tried to kill him. Patrick converted Dictu (the chieftain) after he was
unable to move his arm until he became friendly to Patrick.
Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland. He and his disciples
preached and converted thousands and began building churches all over the
country. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity
when hearing Patrick’s message. Patrick by now had many disciples, among them
Beningnus, Auxilius, Iserninus, and Fiaac (all later canonized as well). Patrick spent
40 years preaching and converting the people of Ireland. He worked many miracles
and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of poverty, traveling, and
much suffering, he died on March 17, 461, at Saul, the site of his first church.
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23rd Annual Classic Car Show
This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the annual Classic Car Show, taking place on North Pitt
Street, and begins the day’s festivities in celebration of Alexandria’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The
2015 entries for this year’s competition range in cars of many makes and ages, including models
which document the development of the automobile from its turn of the century beginnings to the
classics of the recent past. To be noted is the incredible attention to detail and devotion to excellence
each and every car owner provides in the upkeep of these fine vehicles, many of which only exist in
but a few number. We of the Ballyshaners appreciate the dedication of these classic car owners and
sincerely appreciate their support for our parade by their volunteering to be part of this event.
Up to 45 entries compete head to head to win the “Best in Show” title and the Frank Cherry Memorial
Plaque. This award is named in honor of a former President of the Ballyshaners who organized our early
car shows and was a member of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Department. His tireless work in support of the
community was so impressive that we dedicated the Best in Show Award in his honor. This award was
presented last year to Mr. Bob Evans, winning with his beautifully restored and maintained 1960 Austin
Healey 3000.
Once again this year, we are privileged to have Mr. Vern Parker judge the
competition for Best in Show. Mr. Parker is a nationally-syndicated auto
columnist for Motor Matters and long-time friend of the Classic Car Show. We
are honored to have such an expert on hand to judge the spectacular display of
classic automobiles.
The cars are on display beginning at 9:00a.m. with judging commencing at
10:00a.m. At about 11:45a.m., selected classic cars will depart the display area
with their dignitary passengers and proceed to the parade start point at Alfred and
King Streets to begin the Pre-Parade ceremony. Please be sure to cheer for the
classic cars, their drivers, and the dignitaries that will be riding in the parade!
Vern Parker
If you have a fine automobile and you’d like to participate in next year’s show and parade, please
go to our website at www.ballyshaners.org for additional information and a link to register. The
Ballyshaners appreciate the dedication of our Classic Car Show participants and sincerely thank
them for their support of our parade by volunteering to be part of this event.
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2014 Car Show entries
Congratulations to 2014
“Best in Show”
winner, Bob Evans.
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Don’t just watch the parade ... get invovled!
Y
ou can be a part of the Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
If you are a member of an organization that is interested in participating in the parade, apply to march
with us next year!
If you want to get noticed, you can advertise
your business or organization in our program
where it will be seen by the thousands who,
just like you, are enjoying the parade and
reading the souvenir magazine.
Or, you can be a corporate sponsor
and take advantage of the many special
opportunities we offer.
Get information on these exciting opportunities
and much more at
www.ballyshaners.org.
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Jim McLaughlin
Shamrock
Enterprises of
Virginia
Member of the Msgr. Bradican Division
and Brian Boru Degree Team
Congratulations to Grand Marshal Laureen
O’Neill-James!
A big thank you to the Ballyshaners for all
you do.
February 8, 2015 fundraiser at Fiona’s
Irish Pub, Kingstowne, Alexandria
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2015 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Route
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Ad space
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Ad space
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Parade, Festival, &
Fundraiser photos
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Dance Like an Irish Step Dancer
H
as the sight of those fantastic Irish step dancers in the parade made you want to tap your toes and move
your feet? Well, follow these simple instructions and you can be dancing a soft-shoe jig or even a reel in
time for your next Irish party!
Basic Position
With your arms straight and held down by your sides, start with your feet together with the heel of your right foot by the
toes of your left foot (feet at 90° to each other). Your left knee should be tucked behind your right.
This position is the normal position after each “step,” changing so that your left foot ends in front of your right and vice
versa.
The Basic Steps
Jump Threes
Starting in basic position, lift the front leg (in this case the right) keeping
it straight with the toes curled forwards, but don’t lift too high—people
should not see the soles of your shoes. Jump off the foot still on the
floor onto the raised foot, landing just in front of where it started. As
you jump, bring the back foot up to kick your behind. (This is all done
at the same time, so practice!)
As you land, step forward onto the original back foot, placing it just
in front of the other foot. Tuck the original front foot behind to end up
in basic position, but with the other foot now in front (in this case, the
left.)
Do this three times in a row, alternating your foot that starts in front.
Hops Threes
Starting in basic position, hop on the back foot as high as possible,
landing back on the same foot. At the same time, the front foot is
brought up across the knee of the other leg, as high as possible (try to
touch your hip with your toes). Step very slightly forward on the front
foot and tuck back foot behind.
Hop threes always start by hopping off whichever foot is behind.
Sevens or Side Step
Starting in basic position, hop and land in basic position. The leading foot is moved to the side, while the back foot
moves in the same direction but crosses behind. Repeat three times.
Now that you know the basic steps, it’s time to impress your friends!
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Who are the Ballyshaners?
Ballyshaners means “Old Towners” in Gaelic, the Irish language.
W
e’re a non-profit, non-commercial, non-sectarian, and non-partisan corporation organized
exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. All members of the corporation are
volunteers and do not receive compensation for their participation. Our goal is to promote
and preserve Irish Heritage. One way we do this is by co-sponsoring the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the
Irish Festival in Alexandria with the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.
The Ballyshaners, Inc., were founded in 1980 by a small group of dedicated volunteers for the explicit
purpose of organzing the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is now well
into its fourth decade and the number and variety of participants is greater than ever before.
Officers of The Ballyshaners, Inc.
J. J. Kelly, Chairman
Rick Regan, President
Mike Pablo, Vice President
Ginny Kelly, Secretary
Patrick Sims, Treasurer
The Ballyshaners, Inc., P.O. Box 320722, Alexandria, VA 22320-4722. For more information, visit www.ballyshaners.org.
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Join the Parade
The Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria —
Sponsored by The Ballyshaners, Inc.
E
ach year, the St.
Patrick’s Day Parade
is presented by The
Ballyshaners, Inc. While
the City provides many
services for a fee, such
as the police officers,
maintenance workers,
and many others who
make the parade possible,
the members of the
Ballyshaners coordinate
the actual staging and
presentation of the parade,
the Classic Car Show, and the Fun Dog Show.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is now into its fourth decade and the number and variety of
participants is greater than ever before. With more than 2,000 participants in nearly 100
units, it stretches down King Street to the Potomac waterfront.
Each year, we need volunteers to work as Parade Marshals assisting in various duties
ranging from program distribution to unit staging. Marshals are needed from 10:00 a.m.
until approximately 2:30 p.m. Marshal duties take place in Old Town Alexandria along
the parade route and in the staging area.
If you are interested in being a Parade Marshal for next year’s parade,
visit our web site at www.ballyshaners.org.
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Symbols of Ireland
The Irish Harp
T
he harp has long been a symbol of Ireland. Perhaps the legends
of its magical powers comes from the time when the bards would
sing and tell stories of famous events to the Irish kings and chiefs.
The harp was first depicted on Irish coins during the early 1500s,
under the rule of Henry VIII. Use of the Irish harp continues today both
officially and unofficially. It appears on official documents, such as the
Irish State Seal, and on uniforms. It’s also used as a general symbol of
Irish culture and music.
The Flag of Ireland
The tricolor flag of Ireland was introduced by Thomas Francis Meagher in 1848. The color of the green
(nearest the flagpole) represents the Irish people, the orange (farthest from the flagpole) represents the
English supporters of “William of Orange” and the white color (center) represents peace.
Thomas Meagher, on the meaning of the Irish flag said, “The white in the center signifies a lasting truce
between the Orange and the Green; and I trust that beneath its folds the hands of the Irish Protestant and
the Irish Catholic may be clasped in heroic brotherhood.”
Some have protested to us that this magazine is incorrect
and the colors are green, white, and gold (or yellow). They
have cited various songs and poems as proof. This practice
is actively discouraged by the state of Ireland, as stated
in the Guidelines for Use of the National Flag, from The
Protocol Section, Department of the Taoiseach: “Down to
modern times yellow has occasionally been used instead of
orange, but by this substitution the fundamental symbolism
is destroyed.”
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The Celtic Cross
The meaning of the Celtic Cross is told in the legend of Ireland’s St.
Patrick. He was shown a sacred standing stone that was marked with
a circle. St. Patrick took this opportunity to show the union of old
and new ways. He marked a cross through the circle and blessed the
stone.
The Claddagh Ring
The hands are there for friendship,
The heart is there for love.
For loyalty throughout the year,
The crown is raised above.
The symbol of the Claddagh ring dates back to a fishing village in
Galway known as Claddagh village. It represents the fishing Kings of
Claddagh, whose motto was “in love and friendship let us reign.” Later in the 17th Century the symbol
was made into a ring which became a popular gift throughout Galway. Tradition says that the heart
is worn outward to show that the wearer is “heart whole and fancy free.” Many Claddagh rings have
become family heirlooms and are a gift to be passed down from the mother and worn by a daughter on
her wedding day.
The Shamrock
In ancient Ireland, the Shamrock was thought to have magical powers and
the number “3” was considered a powerful number. Legends say the leaves
will stand upright when a storm approaches and that no snake will be found
among them. When St. Patrick came to Ireland, he used the Shamrock to
symbolize the meaning of the church’s teaching on the Trinity.
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A
Women of Irish Heritage
bout 33.3 million Americans reported Irish ancestry according to the 2013 U.S. Census
Bureau. An additional three million identified as Scotch-Irish. There are far too many great
women of Ireland and Irish heritage to pay tribute to each here, but they include politicians,
writers, singers, scientists, campaigners, everyday heroes, doctors, CEOs, movie stars, soldiers, poets and
more. A few well known women of Irish heritage in the U.S. include Georgia O’Keeffe, Anne Rice, Nora
Roberts, Kay Ryan, Soledad O’Brien, Flannery O’Connor, Margaret Mitchell, Nellie Bly, Judy Garland,
Mary Higgins Clark, Eileen Collins, Grace Kelly, Rosemary Clooney, Danica Patrick, Alicia Keys, Rosario
Dawson, Caroline Kennedy, Sandra Day O’Connor, Molly Brown, and Christa McAuliffe.
Read below to learn about a few of the great women of Ireland and Irish heritage. Each has had a
profound impact and influence on the world through their achievements and contributions.
The 2015 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is dedicated to Women of Irish Heritage.
Mary Robinson was Ireland’s
first ever female president and
also served as the UN High
Commissioner for Human
Rights. An academic, lawyer
and former senator, Robinson
has won many prestigious
awards and accolades for her campaigning and
human rights work.
Georgia O’Keeffe was an
American artist who made
large-format paintings of
enlarged blossoms, presenting
them close up as if seen
through a magnifying lens.
O’Keeffe has been recognized
as the Mother of American Modernism.
Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington
was a suffragette and Irish
nationalist who founded
the Irish Women’s Franchise
League and was instrumental
in getting women the vote. She
was also a founding member
of the Irish Women Workers’ Union.
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Anne Rice is an American author
best known for her popular and
influential series of novels, The
Vampire Chronicles, revolving
around the central character of
Lestat. Books from The Vampire
Chronicles were the subject of two
film adaptations, Interview with
the Vampire (1994), and Queen of the Damned
(2002).
Christina Noble is the founder
and driving force behind the
Christina Noble Foundation
has become known for her
passion for children’s rights.
She overcame a life of adversity
to care and advocate for
disadvantaged children in the slums of Vietnam.
Augusta, Lady Gregory was
an Irish dramatist, folklorist,
and theatre manager who
co-founded the Irish Literary
Theatre. She is mainly
remembered for her work
behind the Irish Literary Revival.
Sister Stanislaus Kennedy is a Sisters of Charity nun best known for her work with the
homeless. She was a co-founder of the homelessness charity Focus Ireland and also set
up The Immigrant Council of Ireland. She is a former Council of State member.
Sharon Christa Corrigan McAuliffe was an American teacher from Concord, NH, and
was one of the seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion.
She was selected from more than 11,000 applicants to participate in the NASA
Teacher in Space Project and was scheduled to become the first teacher in space. In
2004, she was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
Delia Larkin was a trade union organizer, journalist and actress, born to Irish parents
in Liverpool, England. She was influenced by the activities of her brother, James
Larkin, to move to Ireland, and was prominent during the 1913 Dublin Lockout. She
was active in Irish trade union activities and was a founding secretary of the Irish
Women Workers’ Union.
Mary Harris “Mother” Jones was born in Cork City, Ireland, and was an IrishAmerican schoolteacher and dressmaker who became a prominent labor and
community organizer. She helped coordinate major strikes and cofounded the
Industrial Workers of the World. In 1902, she was called “the most dangerous woman
in America” for her success in organizing mine workers and their families against the
mine owners. Mother Jones magazine, established in 1970, is named for her.
Eileen Marie Collins is a retired NASA astronaut and a retired US Air Force colonel.
A former military instructor and test pilot, Collins was the first female pilot and first
female commander of a Space Shuttle. She was awarded several medals for her work.
Margaret Mitchell was an American author and journalist who wrote Gone with the
Wind, for which she won the National Book Award for Most Distinguished Novel of
1936 and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937.
51
The Ballyshaners Supporters
A special thank you from The Ballyshaners, Inc., to all the businesses and
individuals who donated so generously to our St. Patrick’s Day Parade Fundraisers.
It would not have been such a success without you!
52
Donors to the Murphy’s Fundraiser:
Donors to the Fiona’s Fundraiser:
Alexandria Massage Therapy
Bertucci’s
Capital Irish Film Festival
Felicia Witomski
Hank’s Oyster Bar
Hard Times Café
Harold V. Sinnett
Irish Walk
Jessica & Kaitlyn Likas
JJ Kelly
King Street Blues
Lesley Hutcheson
Little Theatre of Alexandria
Los Cuates Restaurant
Lost Dog Cafe
Mackie’s Bar and Grill
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub Alexandria
Old Town Coffee Tea & Spice
Pacers Running
Pam McGinty
Pat Garvey
Red Rocks Restaurant
Snap Fitness
Southside 815
Ten Thousand Villages
Margaret Hayes
The Virginia Florist
Primo’s Family Restaurant
Williams-Sonoma
Los Cuates Restaurant
La Madeleine
Snap Fitness
Bertucci’s
Ground Coffee Shop
Hand & Stone Spa
Top Golf
Telegraph Barber Shop
Bonefish Grill
Palm Beach Tan
Diamond Transportation
Ledo Pizza
Society Fair
Potomac Riverboat Company
The ShamrockRs
The Wild Irish Roses
Irish Walk
Tim & Tina Collins
Derrick Lollie
Thank you to the donors to the Paddy Barry’s
fundraiser on Feb. 22, which occurred too late for
the printing of this magazine.
Alexandria Irish Festival
Saturday, August 8, 2015
12:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Waterfront Park
1-A Prince Street
Old Town Alexandria
Come and Enjoy!
Vendors
Crafts
Food & Beverages
Pipe Bands
Irish Dance Schools
Irish Entertainment
Sponsored by the Ballyshaners, Inc.
Promoting and Preserving Irish Heritage
www.ballyshaners.org
53
Patrons
By their contributions, the following patrons have
helped to make the parade possible this year.
Their support is truly appreciated.
B
Eugene J. Bransfield, Sr., KCHS
Don & Rosalie Bryan
Joan Baker
C
Thomas Morse Collins
Tim & Tina Collins
D
Bill & Marion Dunn
Patrick Dunn
Shawn Dunn
Alexis Dunn
Paityn Dunn
Tim & Dana Dunn
Ashley Dunn
Olivia Dunn
Jerry Dunn
Debbie Dunn
Kathleen Dunn (Citro)
Christine Dunn (Wallace)
54
G
Greg & Kimberley Granahan
H
Leslie Hutcheson
Trish Haskin
Margaret Hayes
I
Irish Walk
K
Ginny Kelly
Kirstin J. Knott
Kelly M. Knott
Maggie Keane
Ron & Laurie Kirby
M
Kim & Steve Moore
Mark & Natalie McBride
Kathleen & Alan Molloy
Mairead Molloy
Tressa & Greg Mattingly
R
Mary Robers
Rick & Bonnie Regan
Kelly Riley
Sandee Riley
Patrick Riley
Terry Riley
S
Julia & Kelsea Sinnett
Tim & Kelli Sinnett
Brian & Harold Sinnett
Felicia Witomski
Meredith & Cooper Schilling
Connor Sims
Jennifer & Pat Sims
Liam Sims
a
h
T
k
n
!
u
o
Y
T
Patricia Theobald
Carol Theobald
Pat & Bernadette Troy
Patrick Troy
55
56
We hope you had
a great time at the
parade.
Please come back
again next year and
join us for another
spectacular day of
fun and merriment—
March 5, 2016
Happy St. Patrick’s
Day!
57
Kids’ Activities
Answer key is on page 60.
58
59
2014 Parade
Answers to the crossword
puzzle:
60
The Irish Radio Show
Sunday 11:00am
WUST 1120AM or www.wust1120.com
!
!
"#$%$!&'%!()#*!+),-.%/!'01!2,3!4#5)%06*!+768%/!
Bringing you the best in Irish music, news, sports and
calls from listeners. Covering DC, VA, MD, DE and PA
(Call-in line 703-534-9878)
Advertisers, sponsors, or patrons contact:
The Irish Radio Show
Pat Troy
703-615-9453
www.pattroy.us
!
!
61
62
63
Index of Advertisers
Alexandria Republicans...........................45
Ancient Order of Hibernians
Dowd/LAOH-Woodbridge.............44
FR William Corby...........................46
Frank Herbert-Pat Cady Divison......25
J.J. Kelly..........................................46
LAOH State....................................57
Monsignor Bradican.......................46
Thomas J. Cunnigham....................46
VA State.........................................45
Associates in Gastroenterology..................20
Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano..................20
Boyle School of Irish Dance.....................44
Burke & Herbert Bank..............................47
Chadwicks...............................................15
Dogtopia..................................................38
Eamonn’s/PX/Eve/Society Fair....................27
Fiona’s......................................................34
Fun Dog Show....................................62-63
Game Truck.............................................56
Hard Times Cafe......................................44
Irish Radio Show.......................................61
Irish Walk...........................................26,36
Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota/Scion........44
Kearney & Co..........................................19
King Street Blues......................................60
Mindy’s Catering......................................47
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub.....37, back cover
NACHC...................................................25
NoVa Mobile Vet.....................................18
O’Connell’s....................... inside back cover
O’Neill-James School...............................30
Port City Brewing.....................................32
Renner & Company..................................39
Shamrock Enterprises of Virginia.............28
Shamrockfest.......................................29
ShamrockRs............................................44
Sheehan Family (In Loving Memory).........35
Ten Thousand Villages.............................28
Union Street Public House.......................32
United Bank ......................inside front cover
Whole Dogz............................................33
Please help support the St. Patrick’s Day Parade by supporting
those businesses that have placed ads here, as well as all
businesses along the parade route and in Old Town. If you are
interested in advertising in next year’s magazine, please visit
our website at www.ballyshaners.org or write to
ballyshaners_program@yahoo.com.
64
P ro u d S p o n s or s
gm@danieloconnells.com
unch
r
B
ay
d
n
u
S
3pm
m
10a
Women of Irish Heritage
2015
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Alexandria, VA — March 7, 2015