The Greenwich St. Patrick’s Day Parade will mark a half-century of Irish celebration on Sunday, March 22, 2026, stepping off at 2 p.m. from Town Hall and winding its way down Field Point Road and Greenwich Avenue to the Island Beach parking lot in what organizers hope will be the biggest parade in its history.
For 50 years, this parade has been more than a procession; it has been the heart of Greenwich’s Irish-American heritage and an annual gathering that draws families, civic groups, marching bands, dancers, firefighters and police alongside residents and visitors alike. The parade is hosted by the Greenwich Hibernian Association, a local nonprofit that for decades has preserved Irish culture through social events, scholarship support and community engagement.
This year’s milestone celebration will be led by Grand Marshal Haydn O’Shea, honored at the organization’s annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance on March 7. Born in London in 1948 and raised in Passage West, County Cork, Ireland, Mr. O’Shea has been an outspoken leader in Greenwich’s Irish community for many years. He emigrated to the United States in 1988, becoming a U.S. citizen in 1995, and he and his wife Elizabeth raised their son Gavin in town. As the long-time president of the Hibernian Association and a staple voice of the parade as Master of Ceremonies, he has been integral to sustaining and growing the event. He and his family are active in local organizations including the Knights of Columbus, the Redmen’s Home Association and St. Mary’s Social Concerns, and he and Elizabeth are proud grandparents to three grandchildren.
From its earliest editions, the Greenwich parade has reflected both tradition and community pride. Participants typically include Irish pipe and drum corps, Irish step dancers, school and scout groups, civic organizations and emergency services, all accompanied by residents lining the route in green attire and waving flags. Marchers set off from Town Hall at mid-afternoon, led by ceremonial whistles and stirring music, and make their way through the heart of town in a vibrant display of pageantry.
In recent years the parade has grown significantly. The 48th edition drew one of its largest crowds ever as thousands turned out under clear skies to cheer on more than 70 participating groups, including multiple bagpipe bands and local ensembles, while families packed the sidewalks of Greenwich Avenue in a sea of green. The celebration has become a highlight of the town’s calendar each March, bringing together generations in recognition of shared history and cultural roots.
Traditionally, the Grand Marshal is selected for a lifetime of service to the community and dedication to Irish heritage. Past marshals have included local leaders, clergy, educators and others whose contributions embody the spirit of the holiday and the parade. The role honors not only personal achievement but also commitment to keeping the parade a defining Greenwich tradition.
As the 50th anniversary approaches, organizers are planning what they describe as the most memorable edition yet, with hopes that the milestone parade will attract even broader participation from local groups, families and regional visitors. Shuttle services will be available on parade day to help marchers reach the starting point from the Island Beach parking area, and roads along the route will be closed in the hours leading up to the 2 p.m. start to accommodate floats, bands and spectators.
The parade continues to be a free, public celebration open to all who wish to honor Irish heritage and enjoy a festive afternoon in Greenwich. Updates and more details about the 2026 Greenwich St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be posted on the Greenwich Hibernian Association’s website (https://greenwichhibernians.org/) as the event nears.
For many in town, the parade remains a cherished expression of community pride — a tradition that honors the past while bringing neighbors together each spring in shared celebration.
