Cavan emergency services stand proud in New York St Patrick's Day parade

Around 50 members of Cavan’s emergency services proudly paraded down 5th Avenue on St Patrick’s Day with the Cavan P&B Association.

It was the second time colleagues from Cavan County Fire Service, paramedics and local garda members made the journey across Atlantic following a similar self-funded trip back in 2022.

Included also in the five-day itinerary this time round was a reception with Fergal Mythen, Irish Ambassador to the United Nations, and visits to various Fire Department NY facilities.

“Those who’ve come on this trip have been absolutely blown away by the generosity of the people out here and the respect they have for the emergency services,” says Belturbet-based fireman Ray Slaughter, who thanked Barry Reilly, Fire Department NYC and Michael O’Reilly and Dr James Lynch, Cavan P&B Association, for helping organise the visits.

President of the Cavan County P&B of NYC, P.J. Smith, welcomed the guests at a reception in The Molly Wee Bar on 8th Avenue on day one, and the visitors attended FDNY Rescue Company 2, hosted by FDNY’s Liam Flaherty, on the second day.

Members of the group toured the 9/11 Memorial Museum on Sunday, before taking part in the parade on Monday along with Cathaoirleach T.P. O’Reilly and Chief Executive Eoin Doyle. This was followed by a traditional social event at St Thomas Moore Church.

On Tuesday group members met Mr Mythen at the UN building and that evening were hosted by Angela Reilly from Milltown/Killeshandra at the Molly Wee bar.

Today (Wednesday), the visitors will have an opportunity to visit ‘The Rock’ FDNY Training Division Randals Island.

“It’s a once in a lifetime trip for a lot of people. It’s been memorable,” says Ray, adding that Cavan P&B Association invited colleagues unable to make the 2022 trip due to Covid restrictions and rostering commitments.