What are your Irish roots? “I was born and raised in the Bronx. My grandparents were originally from Kilkenny and Galway. They both came to America in 1929 for a better way of life. I am the youngest of four children and a graduate of Christopher Columbus High School. It was in high school that I meet the love of my life, Stephen P. Driscoll, who this year’s Putnam Northern Westchester St. Patrick’s Day Parade is dedicated to.” (On September 11, Ann lost her beloved husband, Stephen P. Driscoll, ESU-4, at the World Trade Center.) Did you and your husband live in New York? “We moved to California and lived there for five years while Stephen was in the U.S. Navy. We then moved back to New York and discovered the quaint town of Lake Carmel where we decided to settle down and raise our son Barry who is a recent graduate of Boston University.” What do you do? “I work for Metro-North Railroad as a senior specialist in human resources. I have been here for 20 years. I am the supervisor of the records department; this is where all the employment verifications come through. I maintain the budget for the human resources department. I also make sure that all employees comply with New York State financial disclosures. Having been there for 20 years, I still enjoy going to work every day.” Do you get to Ireland much? “I have traveled to Ireland several times, and the day after the parade I have a trip planned again. I love that every time I visit the people that I encounter are like family. Whether you just meet them or they are a relative who you never met before, they invite you into their homes and always make you feel welcome. “The memories I have of times spent with my son and husband will forever be in my heart. We drove for two weeks all around Ireland. The green of the countryside is wonderful, and with every turn there’s something new to be in awe about, from the Cliffs of Moher to kissing the Blarney and hearing the stories.” What’s happening with the parade? “Being selected as one of the grand marshals (Stephen’s mother Letitia is the other grand marshal) of the parade is an honor. I have a great love of my Irish heritage, and the parade gives everyone a chance to be Irish for a day. “I am especially grateful that they have dedicated the parade in my husband Stephen’s name. He was so proud to be Irish. He was one for always getting everyone together to go watch the parade. I know that he will be smiling down on us all on and especially on our son Barry, who will be playing the bagpipes with the FOP Lodge in name of his father Stephen P. Driscoll. “I would like to thank them and the Emerald Association for giving me this opportunity to be the Grand Marshall and forever keeping Stephen’s spirit alive.” (The Putnam Northern Westchester St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 2 p.m. on March 8. Starting location is Mount Hope Road and Route 6 in Mahopac.) Interview by April Drew