Montreal's 'Erin go Bragh' is 191 years old

The Suburban News | Montreals Erin go Bragh is 191 years oldMarch 19th, 2014

Erin go Bragh means Ireland Forever, and even if its been 191 years since the citys Irish community first made their way down Ste. Catherine Street, the Irish are still a big part of the citys heart and soul and their annual parade is still, and always will be, a great day for both the city and the Irish people of Montreal.Saint Patrick was Gods gift to Ireland, said Montreals Archbishop Christian Lpine. And now the saint is Irelands gift to the world.As ever, thousands of people lined the sidewalks as a massive mannequin that represents Irelands great saint began to lead the parade down the street. Canadas Royal Canadian Mounted Police (R.C.M.P.) made an immediate impression as four mounted horsemen preceded Montreals Mayor Denis Coderre and other city leaders who were all wearing their own white scarves and toppers as they made their way down the street.Just as the sun blessed the parade, so did the wind and the seasons cold weather. And even if it was one of the coldest parades in recent memory, thousands of people took the time to bundle up the kids so that they could come join the party and wish the Irish well. It may have been cold but the Sons of Scotland did what they could to keep a beat with their drums and a lot of warm brass. As over 2,500 people, 18 floats, and 16 bands took their place in the big parade, the kids had a lot to look at and the parade was just the beginning of what was bound to be a big day for both the Irish and the city. As ever, the dancers from the B. Short School of Irish Dancing got everybodys immediate attention after which the Montreal Pipes and Drums began to work both the beat and their brass which was no easy feat on such a cold day. The McMaster University Marching Band earned their fair share of applause after which Les clairs one of the parades favorites - began to make their own way down the street.Aside from all of the United Irish Societys executives, Mayor Coderre had a lot of company as he watched the parade from the reviewing stand. As one of the parades former Grand Marshalls, Montreals Margaret Healy joined the mayor and other members of the citys executive committee who shared their place with Montreals Father John Walsh and former Liberal MP Warren Allmand. As one of the senior members of the citys powerful executive committee, both Mary Deros and Alan DeSousa were having a great time as they shared the stage with CDN/NDG Borough Mayor Russell Copeman and federal MP Tyrone Benskin who was wearing a dapper bowler hat for the occasion. Federal Conservative Minister Steven Blaney and NDP leader Thomas Mulcair were also among the dignitaries. Midway through the parade, PLQ (Parti Libral du Qubec) leader Philippe Couillard drew a big cheer when he began to make his own way down the street with Liberal MNAs Kathleen Weil and Pierre Arcand by his side. While the present election campaign did little to disrupt the days festive atmosphere, Couillards presence once again demonstrated how and why presence has become such an important part of post-modern politics in a digital world thats dominated by little more than image and instant communication.Apart from a number of media reports about a previous meeting that took place between Mayor Coderre and Quebec Premier Pauline Marois earlier in the morning, both the mayor and other city leaders had little to say about the present election campaign. However, while everybody on the reviewing stand could be seen having a good time as they watched the parade, several noticed that for some reason Premier Marois did forget to send someone to represent her administration as the rest of the citys leadership joined the effort to salute both the citys Irish and their community as they made their way through the streets of Montreal.n

Montreals, Erin, go, Bragh, is, 191, years, old,

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Source: http://thesuburban.com/news/articles/?id=article03331