Meet the Irish people of New York during this year’s St Patrick’s Day festival. Find out where their Irish connection and heritage dates back to and what it truly means to them to be Irish.
Jamie Kearley
“I’m a fraction Irish, but most of my friends are of Irish Heritage. To be Irish means having fun!”
Neville McGregar
“I’m from New Zealand and visiting NYC. My Grandmother was from Ireland and her name was Mills. Was in Ireland in 2002 for 2 weeks and had a really great time, the hospitality was amazing and I particularly found the museum in Cobh really interesting and very sad to learn of all the people who emigrated and some who never even made it to USA because they died on the journey.”
Danny Delcolle
“My Granny is from Ireland. I love my Irish Heritage. I love been here at the parade cheering on my fellow Irish people. I run marathons and ran the NYC half marathon yesterday in 1hr39m. I was in Ireland in 2001 and I loved it!”
Emily Galvin & Katlin Galvin – twins
Connection comes from both sides, Mom & Dads. Likes her beautiful color hair and the good food from Ireland. Love’s going to her Gran’s for Corn beef and Cabbage!
Darling Wright
“My Father was born in Dublin. I love that the Irish are hardworking, fun loving and beer drinking!”
Kristen Pentz
“My mothers side is Irish, so I’m 2nd Generation. My daughter is marching here at the NYC St Patrick‘s Day parade so I’m here cheering her on. I love that the Irish are so much fun!”
Jim Maguire
“I’ve got lots of Irishness in me! I really love having some heritage, I’ve been a few times to Ireland and I love it!”
Jordan Cruise
“My grandfather was Michael Kelly from Rosscommon. I love been Irish and part of a big Irish family. Planning a trip in May this year”
Emelda Hanna
“I moved to the US when I was six years old to the Bronx. My Dad was a Superintendent and also a Mechanic. I love been part of a clan and part of a big Irish family where there is a lot of love and a sense of belonging. I’ve been to Ireland many times, I’ve got two sisters married to Irish Men!”
Peter Tomburri
“I’m 3rd generation Irish. What I love about Ireland is the value of the family, unity. Family is always first with me. I hope someday to visit Ireland.”
Christy Kerwin
“I live in Canada. My mother was a Donnelly who’s family moved to Canada. My Irish Heritage means an awful lot to me. It was so much of a part of how I grew up, I went to a Catholic School, I learnt how to Irish Dance from Irish Nun’s. I visited Ireland in 2000 and I’m dying to go back.”
Alan Kirwan
“My family came to Canada from Ireland in the famine ships in the 1840’s & they were lucky enough to survive. Been Irish is everything to me and now we have passed that on to our three sons who are all very proud of their Irish Heritage. We always take the day off work every year to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. I was in Ireland in 2000 and really loved it.”
Taylor Lomaclia
“I’m a photographer Major and don’t have any Irish Heritage but my best friend does! Some day I will definitely go to Ireland for sure.”
Erin Gilfoyle
“My grandparents were Irish, awesome but I don’t like cabbage! Our family are going to visit Ireland next summer and I can’t wait.”
Mike Ribarich
“My Irish Heritage comes from my Mum’s side and I’m about 40% Irish. I love my Irish Heritage and am very proud of it. I have never been to Ireland, but I would really love to and always have wanted to go.”
Frank Heid
“My grandmother is from Cork and she moved to NYC when she was very little. I love my red hair and green eyes and I embrace my Irishness. I went to Ireland with my parents when I was 5 years old but need to go back as soon as possible because I don’t remember much of that trip.”