Columbus St. Patrick’s Day parade returns after two-year hiatus

On a sunny and unusually warm Thursday morning, John Sullivan and David Celebrezze were ready to rock. 

Well, rock their bagpipes and drums, at least. 

The two stood on Discovery Bridge on St. Patrick’s Day with other members of the Shamrock Club of Columbus Pipes and Drums band as they participated in a brief but loud warm-up session. 

Sullivan, 57, of Plain City, said he was glad to be back at the Downtown holiday parade put on by the Shamrock Club after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and couldn’t wait to play later, too, at a celebration with other pipe bands. 

“This is fantastic, especially with the (Irish) Family Reunion happening,” Sullivan said, referring to an event taking place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. “It’s fun to play with other pipers and drummers.” 

Celebrezze, 46, said one of the reasons why he enjoys playing the bagpipes is because it can bring out multiple emotions for listeners. 

“It’s an instrument that can make you cry, make you dance,” the Clintonville resident said. “And it only has nine notes!” 

Hosted by the Shamrock Club of Columbus, the parade began at West Broad Street and Washington Boulevard and eventually ended at the convention center. Participants, other than the bagpipes and drums included Irish dance troupes, floats, members from the Columbus police and fire departments and the Ohio State School for the Blind marching band. 

Luck of the Irish 

Also in the parade was Morey Brady, who was the 2021 parade marshal. Since there was no event last year, the Westerville resident got to appear in the procession along with this year’s marshal, Tim McSweeney.

Brady, 85, a member of the Shamrock Club, said it was an honor. 

“This is great,” he said of the event. “It’s quite a celebration for the community.”