Page 1 of 1

Huge Turnout

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 7:16 pm
by Kevin
Only slightly GAA related...

The New York St. Patrick's Day Parade had an overwhelming Offaly turnout of marchers yesterday ( the weather could not have been better) and a favorable position in the line of march was provided, but still. A few years I ago I was one among 'maybe' 20. Yesterday there were more than 100. Nice job.

Along the route there were (and are typically) numerous well wishers and plenty of 'Up Offaly' shout outs from the crowd. From people representing various counties/countries etc. In a departure from this spirit of goodwill on a special day one supporter who identified himself from another county had to dig into the soft target that was the Offaly contingent. A large number of the 'Offaly' people marching had no idea whatsoever he was on about. Someone asked me what it was all about because I was laughing...I just said 'nothing, he's nuts'.

For a laugh can anyone guess where the self-described supporter claimed he was from?

Hint - hurling...

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 8:23 pm
by Plain of the Herbs
He can only have been from . . . Tipperary. :evil:
Kevin wrote:Only slightly GAA related...

The New York St. Patrick's Day Parade had an overwhelming Offaly turnout of marchers yesterday ( the weather could not have been better) and a favorable position in the line of march was provided, but still. A few years I ago I was one among 'maybe' 20. Yesterday there were more than 100. Nice job.

Along the route there were (and are typically) numerous well wishers and plenty of 'Up Offaly' shout outs from the crowd. From people representing various counties/countries etc. In a departure from this spirit of goodwill on a special day one supporter who identified himself from another county had to dig into the soft target that was the Offaly contingent. A large number of the 'Offaly' people marching had no idea whatsoever he was on about. Someone asked me what it was all about because I was laughing...I just said 'nothing, he's nuts'.

For a laugh can anyone guess where the self-described supporter claimed he was from?

Hint - hurling...

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2010 10:25 am
by Georgio1
Clare ,and the dig was about our sit down protest in '98?

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2010 1:26 pm
by Kevin
Good one Georgio, but unless I missed it we did not have to suffer that one.

Yes POTH, you are correct. We were forced to withstand a brief, but cringe-worthy tirade by this guy who felt it important to shout 'Up Tipp' a few times and to point out that Tipp have won 26 All Irelands (over and over). This was greeted by a few laughs, but mostly blank stares and questioning looks from the bulk of the people who had no idea what was going on. This reaction coupled with one old lad who said 'good luck this year' seemed to really throw him over the edge. Have to hand it to the dignified marching contingent. Nobody took the bait. It would have been fun to engage, but there is a time and place for everything.

Just found it amusing. All other neighbors were very gracious INCLUDING all the rest of the Tipp people along the way.

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 1:20 am
by Plain of the Herbs
Shudda told him to mind his head - that Benny Dunne was behind him! :twisted:
Kevin wrote:Good one Georgio, but unless I missed it we did not have to suffer that one.

Yes POTH, you are correct. We were forced to withstand a brief, but cringe-worthy tirade by this guy who felt it important to shout 'Up Tipp' a few times and to point out that Tipp have won 26 All Irelands (over and over). This was greeted by a few laughs, but mostly blank stares and questioning looks from the bulk of the people who had no idea what was going on. This reaction coupled with one old lad who said 'good luck this year' seemed to really throw him over the edge. Have to hand it to the dignified marching contingent. Nobody took the bait. It would have been fun to engage, but there is a time and place for everything.

Just found it amusing. All other neighbors were very gracious INCLUDING all the rest of the Tipp people along the way.

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2015 8:53 pm
by mikec
My father was born in tullamore. I live in the U.S. & would love to march with the Offaly contingent in the new York st Patrick's day parade. How can I do that ?

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 6:45 pm
by Kevin
mikec wrote:My father was born in tullamore. I live in the U.S. & would love to march with the Offaly contingent in the new York st Patrick's day parade. How can I do that ?

2 ways I'm aware of.

1. Go to the St. Patrick's Day Parade website a few days before the parade and look for the 'line of march' hotlink and click on it. Search for County Offaly Association of New York. It will tell you the the time and place to meet. The group won't be hard to find once you get there and away you go.

2. Contact the Association and enquire about membership if you are so inclined.

It has been a few years since I've been up there for it, but brought young ones each time I went. The group could not have been more welcoming.

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 9:07 pm
by ryot
The gobshite in NY is probably related to Francie Loughnane !!!!!!

They really cannot stomach any Offaly success,,,,,, even if its been almost 18 years,,,,,,

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 12:38 pm
by Doon Exile
Kevin wrote:Only slightly GAA related...

The New York St. Patrick's Day Parade had an overwhelming Offaly turnout of marchers yesterday ( the weather could not have been better) and a favorable position in the line of march was provided, but still. A few years I ago I was one among 'maybe' 20. Yesterday there were more than 100. Nice job.

Along the route there were (and are typically) numerous well wishers and plenty of 'Up Offaly' shout outs from the crowd. From people representing various counties/countries etc. In a departure from this spirit of goodwill on a special day one supporter who identified himself from another county had to dig into the soft target that was the Offaly contingent. A large number of the 'Offaly' people marching had no idea whatsoever he was on about. Someone asked me what it was all about because I was laughing...I just said 'nothing, he's nuts'.

For a laugh can anyone guess where the self-described supporter claimed he was from?

Hint - hurling...
I am pleased to say that I was one the Offaly supporters in the parade. I would have thought circa 40 people as opposed to 100 but I could be wrong as I was at the front and actually carried the Offaly Banner. The time was certainly generous in a 1.20pm start and leaving approximately 2pm which suited well. The weather was grand except for the wind – it was tough going for long periods. Not helped by the buckle breaking on the other guy carrying with me.

Which brings to me to a little suggestion re same – does the banner need to be so big (or heavy – I can only imagine what it would be like on a wet day). When I got to the Offaly meeting point, I was immediately asked to carry same (predominantly due to being the youngest!!). The older guys were avoiding like the plague and I can only put down to the physical constraints associated – it reminded me of trying to get an umpire or linesman at the auld junior B games.

All that said, it was a hugely enjoyable experience. I thought that there would be a lot more Offaly people in situ but that said, having met some other county folk that didn’t actually have what we had, maybe we should be proud that at least we have what we have.

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 1:50 pm
by Kevin
Hi Doon Exile,

Understandably you may not have noticed, this thread was started in 2010.

That was the year I was commenting on.

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 3:21 pm
by Doon Exile
Kevin wrote:Hi Doon Exile,

Understandably you may not have noticed, this thread was started in 2010.

That was the year I was commenting on.

cheers - at least you have the update from 2015's parade............ :D :D :D

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 4:46 pm
by Kevin
See you there one of these years perhaps!!

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 8:20 pm
by fifitrixiebelle
a thread bout a lad shouting @ Biffos in ny.....only in Biffoland!! :oops:

Re: Huge Turnout

Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2015 1:45 pm
by mikec
Thanks for the suggestions Kevin. I've looked up the association & unfortunately there is no phone number listed to reach them. Guess I'll try option #1 next year. Thanks again !