79th and Out: Irish angry over shortened New York St. Patrick's Day Parade route

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CAHIR O'DOHERTY,

Irish Voice Reporters

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NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade

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“That’s probably the reason why it’s been cut off at 79th Street,” says Brick with a laugh. “They make a pile of money. I usually stay near Grand Central and every hotel in that area is always full of parade goers.”

Conlon believes that the cut backs have been made because of the effort it takes. “They don’t think it’s worth it any more for the Irish. That’s how I feel. I may be all wrong. But I’ve been marching in that parade for 43 years and these recent changes are indefensible,” he said.

But Mary Power, the ex-president of the Cork Association, has a different take on the city’s parade move. “

We knew this was going to happen. It’s not just the Irish parade. All parades have been shortened and for many reasons, the impact on the city’s traffic being the main one.”

“Am I disappointed? Yes, I wish it reached as far as 86th Street because I live in that area and that was the usual route. But I just think it’s still wonderful that we are allowed to tie this city up for a day.”
 

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