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Gardaí get cut out of New York Patrick’s Day Parade in ‘very disappointing’ decision

“I’m sure there’s someone in the political fields in America that could say, ‘Make a space for the Irish’”

Níall Feiritear

Today at 11:28

A former detective has described the decision by New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee to cut gardaí out of this year’s event as ‘very disappointing.’

A disagreement occurred at last year’s event in relation to what time gardaí were to enter the march. This may have led to this year’s snub, with many gardaí having already booked flights to the States.

An Garda Síochána has told officers they can still attend but they are not allowed to wear uniforms.

Former Detective Pat Marry told Newstalk Breakfast the decision was a very disappointing one which ends a historic coalition.

“It’s a break in a long-standing tradition where the Guards would go to New York and walk shoulder-shoulder with the New York Police Department,” he said.

“What people have to realise too is there’s huge relationships between An Garda Síochána and the New York Police Department.

“Gardaí go over there every year and rekindle those relationships… for Gardaí walking in that parade it’s a very proud moment”.

Mr Marry gave an explanation for what may have caused the strange decision by parade organisers. He also said that a reversal could be easily attained.

“Seemingly last year, from what I gather from chatting to the lads, they were down to walk at 10.30am,” he said.

“Whatever fallout there was between the Gardaí that were there and the organising committee, the organising committee said, ‘No you’re to walk at 2pm’.

“There was a standoff and the Gardaí got to walk at 10.30am, but it wasn’t where they had expected.

“There was, I’m sure, heated words which resonated down through the organising committee. It could be fixed at the highest level, let’s say in the political circle.

“I’m sure there’s someone in the political fields in America that could say, ‘Make a space for the Irish and that’s it’.

“That should be done sooner rather than later.

“It does appear to be something that’s blown out of proportion,” he added.

A Garda Spokesperson said “An Garda Síochána is seeking to clarify this particular situation.

“There are regulations in place in relation to Gardaí bringing the Garda uniform outside of the State, which require individual Gardaí to apply for such permission. As there is currently no invitation to take part in this particular event, no such permissions are granted for this particular event.

“Gardaí wishing to take part in other such parades abroad can still apply for this permission to take their uniform outside of the State.

“When permission is granted, Gardaí travel to such events at their own expense.”