Hibernian Hall was hopping on March 1 as community members rolled in for the annual Green Eggs and Ham breakfast, a fundraiser for Newport’s 70th St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
In the morning, plates were piled high with eggs as parishioners gathered after church. Some lingered into the afternoon to hear The Moonlight Ramblers, while others streamed in swapping blizzard tales — with a special thanks to essential workers like Karen Downes.
This year’s grand marshals, Mike and Tish (Curtis) Behan, sparkled as they accepted congratulations from one and all, including former grand marshals Harp Donnelly and brother Chris Behan.
Behan, you am? Behan, they are.
Selected to lead the 70th edition of the parade, the honor feels especially fitting. The Behans have long been dedicated to the community, supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, the MLK Center, St. Clare, St. Philomena’s, and the Newport Whalers.
Their own love story even began on Parade Day in 1981 at the Treadway Inn (IYKYK). The music played, the dancing started — and the rest, as they say, is history.
They were married in 1983 at St. Joseph’s Church and are proud parents of three: Mike (IV), Mary, and Garrett. Mike the Fourth and Garrett now run Behan Bros., the company their father founded as Behan and Booth in 1973. Mike and Tish hope Mary will someday join the fold.
The pair also take pride in tracing their Irish roots. Burns, Kellys, Sullivans, Sheas, Donnellys, and Donohoes fill out the family tree, with branches stretching back to Counties Kerry and Cork.
And, of course, there are the floats — a Behan and Booth tradition for more than 30 years. Themed, spirited, and loaded with smiling children no matter the weather, they’ve become parade favorites. These days, the Behan Bros. team leads construction, and we can’t wait to see what they unveil this year.
Newport’s 70th St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off March 14 at 11 a.m. from City Hall — rain, snow, or shine — led by the Behans and filled with smiles. 🍀
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