A time for Irish pride

“I truly believe it brings the whole community out and it shows our community in a good light,” said Long Beach resident Carol O’Neill, president of the Michelle O’Neill Foundation, of the Ancient Order of Hibernians annual Irish Day Parade and Festival.

The 22nd annual Irish Day Parade and Festival begins in Long Beach on Oct. 1, where thousands — both Irish and non-Irish alike — are expected to march in celebration of the heritage and history of the Irish.

“I’m marching with the Michelle O’Neill Foundation,” said O’Neill, a former grand marshal of the event. “We’re proud to represent the foundation and to participate in such a beautiful event.”

Each year, throngs of residents and numerous groups and organizations, including the Long Beach Bulldogs, the Michelle O’Neill Foundation and West End Neighbors Civic Association, among others, take part in the parade, which kicks off at Washington Boulevard at noon.

This year’s grand marshal, Noreen O’Keefe Costello, said that she is honored to lead the parade.

“The A.O.H. asked me sometime in April,” Costello said. “It’s extremely special to me, especially because I’m the daughter of an Irish immigrant. My dad was born in Ireland.”

Costello said that she has participated in the event in the past, and has had a booth for her charity, the O’Keefe Foundation, which provides scholarships to high school students who have lost a parent to a tragedy or to immigrant students starting over in the U.S.

“It promotes Irish culture,” she said. “The A.O.H. Long Beach Division 17 is a leader in community service — it’s just quite a thrill for me.”

This weekend, city officials, members of the A.O.H., veterans’ groups as well as members of the city’s police and fire departments, will come together to embrace the cultural event, which features Irish dancers, bagpipe and school bands and plenty of festivities.

Brian Sharkey, president of A.O.H. Division 17 in Long Beach, said that the event is always well attended and not only celebrates Irish heritage, but shines a light on community groups.

“The parade highlights non-profit groups in Long Beach,” he said. “It’s not just Irish people marching in the parade, it’s everyone.”