Photos Courtesy of State Sen. Joe Addabbo’s Office
By Michael V. Cusenza
Irish eyes – even those that are Irish just for a day – smiled and set their gaze on Rockaway on Saturday to take in the grand tradition that is the Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The 42nd annual event featured Hon. William Lynn, business manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30, as Grand Marshal and Michael Clarke as Gael of the Year. Freshman Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) was one of the parade’s 14 deputy grand marshals.
The popular, long-standing celebration of all-things Emerald Isle began Saturday morning with a Mass for peace and justice in Ireland at St. Francis de Sales Church, followed by the Parade Brunch at the Knights of Columbus hall on Beach 90th Street. The parade kicked off at Beach 130th Street and Newport Avenue, and wrapped up at the St. Camillus parking lot on Beach 100th Street.
Happy St. Paddy’s Day to all!