Dear Editor:
First, I would like to congratulate the Honorees of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2003. The Grand Marshall, Jack Beirne; Irishwoman of the Year, Maureen Hulings; Irish Police Office, Lt. Willie Costigan; Irish Fire Fighter, Capt. Michael Conlin; Honorary Irishman Ken Morelli; Honorary Irishwoman, Sr. Luke Dworschak. You all did a great deal.
Now I would like to thank all the people who supported me. I would like to thank Bill White for all the work he put into it. Debbie and Chris Costa and all the people from the Astro Bar. Councilman Pete Brennan and the people from Brennan’s Pub, Pete Walsh and the people from Moose 226, Tom Noton and the people from the Summit House. The crews from Dirty Harry’s and P.J. Ryans. Thanks to all my co-workers at from the Jersey City Board of Ed from all departments and members of Local 2262 for coming out. I would also like to thank Michael Nolan, last year’s Irishman of the Year, for all of his support. I especially want to thank my wife Fran and my beautiful daughter Anna for all of their support.
This year’s Irish Festival was the best yet and I give my word that the Parade of 2003 will be the best ever. With the great working committee that we have with Mike Ryan as Chairman it will be the best. Thank you Mike for all your hard work.
Once again, I would like to thank everyone for their support and hope to see everyone at our Parade.
Patrick McCarthy
Irishman of the Year 2003