Women of Irish Heritage
Transcription
Women of Irish Heritage
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 P ro u d S p o n s or s [email protected] 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. 1 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 2 - ed , 3 4 Women of Irish Heritage. - - 5 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. 6 Women of Irish Heritage 7 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. 8 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! 9 Grand Marshals of the Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade 10 Bryan “Bugsy” Edwin Cardinal Watson O’Brien (2013) Martin White (2014) (2008) 11 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 12 Grand Marshal’s Ball Last year’s Grand Marshal of the 2014 parade was Martin White, proprietor of Fiona’s Irish Pub in Alexandria. 13 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. 14 15 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 16 1976 bicenntennial parade near Gadsby’s Tavern 2014 Parade 17 2014 Parade 18 19 20 S 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. 21 T 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. 22 2014 Car Show entries Congratulations to 2014 “Best in Show” winner, Bob Evans. 23 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. 24 25 - 26 27 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 28 29 30 2015 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Route 31 R 32 Ad space 33 34 Ad space 35 36 37 38 39 Parade, Festival, & Fundraiser photos 40 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! 41 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. 42 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. 43 44 45 46 47 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.” 48 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. 49 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. 50 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 [email protected]. 64 P ro u d S p o n s or s [email protected] 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