Thomas Byrne, a man deeply rooted in his Irish heritage and dedicated to his community, will be the Grand Marshal of the 48th annual Greenwich St. Patrick’s Parade, the Greenwich Hibernian Association announced. The parade is set for St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.
Born in Westchester, Byrne’s lineage traces back to Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland. His great-great-grandparents, Patrick Byrne and Anna Healy, embarked on a journey from Ireland to New York in the mid-19th century, marking the beginning of a family legacy steeped in resilience and community involvement.
Reflecting on his heritage, Byrne said, “Being chosen as the Grand Marshal is a profound honor. My Irish heritage shapes a significant part of my identity. The stories of my ancestors overcoming adversity t o establish a life here in America deeply resonate with me.”
Byrne’s Irish connections extend beyond his own bloodline. His wife Megan’s ancestry lies in County Mayo, Ireland. This shared heritage has played a pivotal role in their family, influencing their values and traditions.
Byrne’s educational journey, marked by his time in Catholic schools, Yale, and Stanford Law School, paved the way for a life dedicated to service. Initially practicing law in Connecticut, Byrne later shifted to education, impacting young lives as an AP Physics teacher in Westchester for over two and a half decades.
His dedication to public service is evident in his extensive involvement in Greenwich’s local government. Byrne’s tenure as the Moderator of the Greenwich RTM , spanning 26 years, stands as a record in the town’s history. “Serving on the RTM has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s about making real changes at the grassroots level,” Byrne remarked on his political career.
Byrne’s commitment to his community extends to his passion for sports. He has been an integral part of local sports, coaching youth baseball and officiating basketball and baseball games across Fairfield County. His involvement in sports underscores his belief in the power of community and teamwork.
The family Byrne has built with Megan mirrors the values of service and resilience that he holds dear. Their children’s achievements in various fields, including public service and military service, are a source of immense pride and reflect the family’s commitment to contributing to society.
The St. Patrick’s Parade, a staple event for Byrne since h i s move to Greenwich i n 1984, symbolizes more than just a cultural festivity. “This parade is a celebration of our roots,” Byrne shared. “It’s about honoring where we come from and the journey our family has taken. We’ve always embraced our Irish heritage, and attending the parade has been a way for us to connect with our past.”
As Byrne prepares to lead the parade this year, he looks forward to not just celebrating Irish culture but also honoring the journey of his ancestors. Their legacy of overcoming challenges and their commitment to community and public service continues to inspire him.
“Leading the parade is not just about walking at the front; it’s about carrying the story of my family, the story of immigrants who came here seeking a better life and worked tirelessly to achieve it. It’s about remembering and celebrating those who came before us,” Byrne concluded.
The 2024 Greenwich St. Patrick’s Parade promises to be a vibrant display of cultural pride and community spirit, with Byrne at the helm, honoring his heritage and the values of resilience, service, and community that have shaped his life.
