City Council President Bill Linehan of South Boston will not be in Boston for St. Patrick’s Day this year. Rather, he’ll be spending the popular Irish holiday amongst, well, the Irish.
Back in February it was reported that Councilor Linehan would forego the traditional St. Patrick’s Day breakfast and subsequent parade in his native Southie in favor of an invitation by Mayor Kathleen Leddin of Limerick, Ireland to visit her city.
“There is a long history between the people of Limerick and the people of Boston,” Council President Linehan said. “It is a great honor to represent the people of Boston in the 2014 St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the historic City of Limerick.”
The theme of Councilor Linehan’s international trek will be to strengthen the special cultural and economic relationship between the two. In fostering the bond between Boston and Limerick, Councilor Linehan will participate in local St. Patrick’s Day festivities, visit the Southill School in Limerick and present a check on behalf of the Southill Children’s Fund of Boston.
While he’s gone, state Senator Linda Dorcena Forry will handle emcee responsibilities and preside over the popular breakfast-roast combo. She will not be marching in the parade, however, as organizers continue to limit the open participation that LGBT community members wish to display.
Councilor Linehan has also played host in the past, even contending that a South Boston native take up the position despite the fact that the incumbent state Senator traditionally does, though it comes as no surprise that he’ll be M.I.A.
BostInno spoke with Suffolk University Professor and Department of History Chair Robert Allison who told us quite simply that supervising the entire effort can be an exhausting endeavor. “He didn’t want to do it again,” Professor Allison told us bluntly.
Given the amount of turmoil and controversy surrounding the entire day, I can’t really blame Linehan for trying to bounce up out of Boston for a hot minute. But as City Council President his word carries substantial clout and he has yet to say anything denouncing the Allied War Veterans Council’s determination that any LGBT advocacy group wishing to march in the parade must adhere to its strict ruling that no political or advocacy nor cause banners are permitted in the parade.
Stay tuned to BostInno for more information regarding the politics of St. Patrick’s Day. In the meantime, check out our comprehensive coverage of where to eat, drink and be Irish right here.
This St. Patrick’s Day, Go Bragh or Go Home. Join us on March 14th from 6 – 9pm at Ned Devine’s and kick off your weekend at #BostInnoGoBragh. Get your tickets now, and enjoy your first beer on us. See you there!
