March is an exciting month in the Corrigan house with the variety of West Suburban Irish events scheduled to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
On Wed., March 13, our family will be attending a lovely Mass in honor of Saint Patrick. Coordinated by Mike Reilly, this beautiful Mass will be followed by an Irish soda bread reception and include Irish dancing by McNulty School of Irish Dance students in the parish gym.
The West Suburban Irish Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade follows on Sat., March 16. This year is a special one as it was 20 years ago that Kevin Dolan founded the Naperville St. Patrick’s Day parade. What began as a small parade traveling just a few blocks down Jackson Ave. has turned into a fabulous event beginning at 8AM with the Rotary Sunrise St. Paddy’s Day 5K. The run/walk travels the now much longer parade route from Naperville North High School to the City Municipal Building.
On Sun., March 17, WSI members will be at Quigley’s Irish Pub to pull the winning ticket to a trip to Ireland courtesy of CIE Tours International. (And perhaps enjoy some craic and a pint with friends).
Since I am not of Irish heritage, I do not recall celebrating St. Patrick’s Day so enthusiastically as a young girl. But, my husband’s people hail from County Mayo. Hence, Chuck has wonderful memories of celebrating his Irish heritage; a day off of school to attend Cleveland’s St. Patrick’s Day parade (held on March 17 no matter if it were during the week or on the weekend).
I hope our family’s involvement these past few years in the West Suburban Irish events has enriched their St. Patrick’s Day memories—besides the time I dyed all their dinner food items green.
Take time this month to celebrate with your family. Perhaps don some green and come watch a parade.
