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Irish Eyes Were Smiling In Ocean County
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo Irish eyes were smiling last week as folks dressed in green gathered to raise the Irish flag. For more photos from this event, visit our photo galleries at www.micromediapubs.com. |
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OCEAN COUNTY - Irish eyes smiled for Ocean County last Monday as the flag of Ireland was hoisted in glimmering sunlight in front of the county administration building, 101 Hooper Avenue.
The 30th annual event, sponsored by the Ancient Order of the Hibernians (AOH) Division One, was opened by Master of Ceremonies Ralph C. Hodges, who welcomed the crowd and read a traditional Irish poem.
Bagpiper Michael McAleavey provided background music for the ceremony that featured Mary Kelly singing the national anthem and sentimental Irish songs for the small crowd that gathered.
"Ocean County is home to more than 113,000 residents of Irish descent," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. "This event allows us to celebrate the rich culture of the Irish people and to appreciate the many contributions they have made to this country."
"It's a beautiful Irish day," said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who added that he was recently named Irishman of the Year. "It's a great day for the Shamrock," he joked.
Carole Walsh, president of the Ladies AOH, addressed the crowd and spoke of the many traditions of the Irish and contributions they have made to this country. "May God bless you," Walsh told the crowd.
The ceremony featured a presentation by the Ocean County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard, courtesy of William L. Polhemus.
Surrogate Jeffrey W. Moran, County Clerk Carl Block and AOH President John A. McGovern greeted the crowd. Vicari presented McGovern with a proclamation from the board of freeholders.
For many spectators, the morning flag raising ceremony was the beginning of several St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Barbara O'Malley Duriske, whose family hails from Ireland's County Mayo and County Roscommon, said she looked forward to dinner at home with her family later in the evening and planned to cook "everything Irish from corned beef to cookies."
Toms River fire official Chief John Lightbody, spotted in the crowd with friends and wearing a green cap, called the flag raising ceremony "a great Irish tradition."
Ronnie Sommer of Toms River and Dan Hannon agreed.
"This is the best part of the day's celebration," said the group of friends, who were all wearing green and white.
"We're also very involved in the Irish community here," Hannon added. "The luck of the Irish and good weather stayed with us throughout the weekend. We've been very lucky."
As the flag was raised in a huge gust of wind, 1-year-old Michael Liam, wearing an Irish cable knit sweater, squinted his eyes to get a good look. He was there with mom Sheila Faella.
In the crowd, Maureen and Kevin Hall of Bayville, who were married in Dublin, Ireland in 1969, said that they were out to celebrate for the remainder of the day. "Irish eyes are smiling on us today," said Mrs. Hall.
"Yea," added little Michael Liam, taking
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