YES, ‘WEE’ MARCH!
Small parade restarts beloved St. Pat’s Day tradition
This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Manhattan promised far less fanfare and none of the crowds of years past, but that didn’t stop law enforcement and first responders from waking up well before the crack of dawn Wednesday to keep the Irish tradition alive.
Starting around 6:30 a.m., a procession of roughly 50 National Guard members, 50 NYPD officers, firefighters and other first responders weaved their way up from E. 26th St. and Lexington Ave. in Kips
Bay to the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Ave.
“It’s so important that we continue the traditions of the parade,” parade Chairman Hilary Beirne told the Daily News. “It’s a sign of spring and new beginning and hopefully, today will mark a new beginning for New York City.”
The marchers, normally cheered on by revelers covered in green, were greeted instead by everyday New Yorkers simply commuting to work.
Mayor de Blasio was among those leading the early morning march, which came back to life this year as authorities have loosened
COVID restrictions with more people getting vaccinated.
“There’s something powerful about this tradition, but also people gathering despite the disease,” said the mayor. “Next year, we’re going to be back at full strength.”
Asked if parades might resume in bigger form later this year, Hizzoner hedged. “It’s too early to tell for sure, but I’d say, let’s think about the fall,” he said.
Before the start of 8:30 a.m. Mass, Timothy Cardinal Dolan stepped outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral to greet the marchers.
“Good to see you all,” he beamed. “Keep the tradition alive!”
Parade diehards Maebelline and Billy — Irish wolfhounds who serve as mascots of the 69th Regiment of the New York National Guard — joined the small crowd.
“It’s kind of surreal to be back to something normal,” said their handler Eileen Flanagan. “I’m not used to seeing this much sidewalk.”
At morning Mass, Dolan alluded to the scandals swirling around Gov. Cuomo while acknowledging elected officials in attendance.
“Lt. Gov. [Kathy] Hochul, welcome. We’re sure glad you’re here. And if you want to light some candles after Mass, we’d understand, all right? Our prayers are with you, with responsibilities,” he said to loud applause.
Later in the morning, five members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians gathered at E. 44th St. and Fifth Ave. What the Irish group lacked in numbers, they made up for in spirit.
“This parade has been going since before the country was a country, so we want to keep the continuum of the parade,” said Sean Claffey, 51.
Thomas Beirne, 53, noted many members of the order are essential workers. “We’ve been working the entire time through,” he said.