On Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. we will conduct our annual Greater New Haven St. Patrick Day Parade in downtown New Haven, CT. Each year it is requested that the City of New Haven rename the streets closest to the reviewing stand at New Haven City Hall and dedicate the renaming in memory of a deceased person who has served the Greater New Haven Irish Community in a positive way. The 2024 street naming is dedicated in honor of these three significant individuals from our
Irish community.

John C. O'Donovan Way

John C. O’Donovan was born in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland. He left Ireland to study in England in 1947. In 1953 John and his wife Kathleen immigrated to the United States to the New Haven area. He was drafted into the military that same year and served with the U.S. Army in Korea. After his military service, he worked for the former SNET for 34 years. John became a Deacon for the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1993. He has served Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish in Hamden since that time. In his role as a Catholic Deacon he brought comfort to all in his presence. There are many families that have been touched by his kind and gentle manner and are forever connected by him performing the baptism, wedding or family funeral Mass. John O’Donovan‘s leadership was not only spiritual but strong within his community. For many years, he was President of the New Haven Gaelic Football and Hurling Club and an integral part of the Irish American community. In 1976 he served as the Grand Marshal of the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade, stayed involved and traditionally led the committee in prayer and a blessing at the last parade committee prior to the parade. John organized and actively worked in food pantries at Saint Ann’s, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Catholic parishes providing resources for anyone in need. John was 92 years and still driving, participating in liturgical services and volunteering. John truly lived a life of service and is the role model and standard for many who had the opportunity to know him. The parade committee has a tradition of gathering at Saint Mary’s Church on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven to celebrate Mass prior to heading out to the Greater New Haven Saint Patrick's Day parade route. John O’Donovan has been part of the celebration of the Mass. At this parade day Mass he will be there in spirit.
Chapel Street will be renamed John C. O’Donovan Way on Sunday, March 12, 2023 as part of his final recognition.

Edward J. O’Neill Blvd

In November 2022, we lost our 1997 Past Grand Marshal Edward Joseph O'Neill. Edward O’Neill was 1st generation Irish American born and raised in New Haven, in a family of 8 children. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in New Haven, Edward began his career at The Yale Computer Center, eventually becoming the Associate Director. While employed full-time, he pursued his undergraduate degree at Southern Connecticut State University, attending classes in the evening after work. His mentor, the late Yale University Professor John D. Thompson, encouraged Edward to apply to graduate school at Yale, where he went on to proudly earn his Master of Public Health. He was appointed to be the President of the Health Systems Agency of South-Central Connecticut. He then joined The Hospital of St. Raphael as an Administrator, and ultimately became the Corporate Vice President of Regional Affairs. He went on to serve as the Executive Director of The Cardiothoracic and Vascular Group until his retirement from healthcare in 1999. Edward devoted his time outside of work to the service of others, volunteering for numerous charities and serving on a variety of boards. Among those he particularly cherished were The Shirley Frank Foundation, The St. Ann/Christian Union Soup Kitchen, and The Clelian Adult Day Center. He took great pride in his Irish heritage, serving for many years as a member of The Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and Grand Marshal. Edward leaves behind wife, Harriet (Anderson) O'Neill; and his three children, Ryan and Kevin O'Neill and Kerry Satchwell and a large extended family.

Church Street will be named Edward J. O’Neill Blvd. on March 12, 2023 in recognition of his impact on the Irish community.

Moriah Grace Conlan Way

Moriah Conlan was the 2004 Parade Queen. Since 1976 The Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade has an annual tradition of
choosing a young woman from the Irish Community to be named Parade Queen. This role looks to connect the next generation of Irish Americans to their heritage and in the year as Parade Queen honorees serves as an ambassador for the Irish Community. Moriah Conlan was very proud of her Irish heritage and a member of the West Haven Irish American Club. In October 2021, we lost Moriah Grace Conlan. Moriah was a kindergarten teacher and a mother to Declan Smalldone. As with most families involved in the Irish American Community, the commitment is a family commitment, as the 2023 Grand Marshal is Joanne Conlan, Moriah Conlan’s mother.

Elm Street will be named Moriah Grace Conlan Way on March 12, 2023.