Leitrim pride was on full display in New York this St. Patrick’s Day, as the County Leitrim Society of New York marked the occasion with a series of vibrant celebrations that brought together hundreds of Irish and Irish-American attendees.
The festivities began with a glittering dinner dance that drew a crowd of 260 guests. The evening honoured two standout figures in the community—Tom Mulligan and Declan Flynn—while also highlighting the enduring ties between the Leitrim diaspora and home. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Sean McGowan, Vice Chair of Leitrim County Council, CEO Joseph Gilhooley, and Pat Gallagher, a proud sponsor of the Leitrim GAA team.
On St. Patrick’s Day itself, Noeleen Bohan McGovern, a Cloone native and President of the County Leitrim Society, led a proud and spirited group of Leitrim natives and supporters up Fifth Avenue. They marched under a striking new banner featuring a portrait of Sean MacDiarmada—Leitrim’s most revered patriot and a leader of the 1916 Rising, who was executed for his role in the fight for Irish independence.
While some onlookers were unfamiliar with the image on the banner, they were quickly educated on MacDiarmada’s legacy and the pride Leitrim holds in his memory. Officers of the Society wore newly designed sashes, and leading the way were Miss Eire, Avalyn Panzarino, and Uncle Sam, Quinn DuQuay—both descendants of long-time Leitrim supporters.
The celebrations didn’t end there. The following Saturday, the Society turned out in force once again to march in the Yonkers St. Patrick’s Parade on McLean Avenue—an area affectionately known as the Emerald Mile and "Little Leitrim" due to its strong concentration of Leitrim-owned businesses.
This year’s Grand Marshal for the Yonkers parade was Denis Mulcahy, founder of Project Children, whose wife, Miriam O’Rourke, hails from Aughnasheelin—further proof that, no matter the miles, Leitrim’s heart beats strong across the Atlantic.
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