News

Patrick Costello chosen as 2012 St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal

January 30, 2012

Most people dream of changing the world for the better; few actually get the chance. Through his two decades of work with Project Children Pat Costello has done just that, and for his efforts he has been chosen Grand Marshal for the March 17, 2012 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade.
"When I went over for the 35th anniversary of Project Children [Sinn Fein party leader] Gerry Adams told us that Project Children played a big part in ending the conflict in Northern Ireland," said Costello with understandable pride.
Costello has marched in every Utica parade except the first one 34 years ago, but leading the parade as Grand Marshal will be a new experience for him.
"I was surprised and honored when they told me I was chosen to be the Grand Marshal," says Costello. "I have a line of grandparents and parents looking down on me proudly."
For over 20 years the Whitesboro native has worked tirelessly (the last 16 as area coordinator) for Project Children, which has arranged summer vacations in America for more than 14,000 children from Northern Ireland to give them a respite from the grim politics of their own country. What makes Project Children different from other similar organizations, and what attracted him to the group in the first place, is that it is not restricted to any particular religious affiliation.
"Project Children is unique in that it teaches Catholic and Protestant kids that they can get along, that the past has to be put in the past," said Costello. "We try to show them that just because their fathers shot at each other doesn't mean they have to."
Now that peace, however tentative, has come to Northern Ireland, the organization is not resting on its laurels. Costello now serves as one of the coordinators of the Project Children intern program, which brings students from Northern Ireland to the U.S. to build housing in the gulf coast.
Costello's contributions to the local Irish community don't end there. He has also been a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for 26 years and has volunteered at every Great American Irish Festival since its inception, also working at every Mass the festival has held. He has been a constant presence at the Project Children booth at GAIF and as a beer pourer at the Grand Marshall reception, soliciting donations for the huge Project Children tip jar. Of course, that all will change this year, as Costello will be busy receiving the ceremonial shillelagh from outgoing Grand Marshal Hon. Michael Dwyer at the March.13 reception.
"I won't be able to pour beer there," laughed Costello, "but, believe me, the jar will still be there."