St. Patty's Day celebrated in St. Clair County
3/17/2010 2:37 PM By Amelia Flood
St. Patrick (Brother Andy Lawlor) blesses those gathered at the St. Clair County Public Square Wednesday in honor of St. Patrick's Day and Irish-American Heritage Day. The ceremony, a yearly tradition in the public square, was attended by a good size crowd, despite Wednesday's cloudy and cool weather.
Wearing of the green!
St. Clair County Chief Judge John Baricevic, Circuit Clerk Brendan Kelly and a number of St. Clair County staffers attended a ceremony Wednesday outside the courthouse that featured the raising of the Irish flag, a bagpiper and commentary.
Betty Martz, a member of the Lady Ancient Order of Hibernians - an Irish fraternal group - organized Wednesday's celebration.
Nearly 35 million Americans claim Irish ancestory, according to the U.S. Census, the second most reported ancestry in the nation.
March was designated Irish-American Heritage Month by Congress.
Among those with Irish surnames in St. Clair County government are Kelly, Circuit Judge Michael O'Malley, Associate Judge Andrew Gleeson, St. Clair County Clerk Bob Delaney and many others.
