Erin go bragh! In Moriches

We’ve all heard the saying, “Erin go bragh,” but what does it actually mean? In the Irish language, or Gaelic, “Erin go bragh” is roughly translated as “Ireland Forever” or “Ireland ‘till the end of time.” Judging by this translation, Moriches has lots of Irish pride, evident in the many “Erin go bragh” banners and posters seen at the annual Moriches St. Patrick’s Day parade, hosted by the Moriches Chamber of Commerce on Sunday, March 12.

The day was cool, but bearable. Main Street was packed as marchers and spectators alike, dressed in green and donning shamrocks, displayed Irish pride and Moriches pride, too. Ireland’s famous flag, three equal blocks of green, white, and orange, could be seen waving in many a spectator’s hand.

Many different local businesses and services participated in the day’s festivities, including Mulvihill-Lynch Dance, Shaolin Self Defense Center and Muller’s Tree Farm, as well as the ambulance companies and fire departments. Marchers from the dance schools performed choreographed numbers in front of spectators, as the karate students performed their moves. Representatives from Hampton Coffee Company marched in the parade and were on hand to give spectators free hot chocolates.

One local business owner, Nicole Commisso, creator of My Cup Condom, took the parade as an opportunity to showcase her product, which protects people’s drinks from being tampered with.

In addition to the many businesses and services present, there were also social groups and clubs, including the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, many of whom marched in their cream-colored cable knit sweaters. Also, 2023 St. Patrick’s parade grand marshal, Joseph Townsend, marched alongside past grand marshals in true parade tradition.