Hibernians get ready for the annual St. Patrick’s parade

At a “hooley,” which is a traditional Irish celebration meant to imitate a house party, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, named Bill Doherty to act as Grand Marshal to this year’s St. Patrick’s parade.

Doherty was born in Ireland in 1950, to a fisherman and his wife. He moved to Long Island when he was 23 and eventually settled in Glen Cove, where he became involved with the local Hibernians.

In the late 80s, Doherty was instrumental in launching a small committee to start a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Glen Cove. The parade is now celebrating its 30th anniversary as the only Hibernian sponsored parade in Nassau County, growing over the years to become the celebration of Irish heritage and culture on the North Shore that it is today.