Celebrating the community’s Irish roots, the Ancient Order of Hibernians hosted its annual event, presided over by this year’s Flint St. Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal Tim Murphy of Flushing.
Festivities began with the Miss Hibernia Pageant and crowning of Meredith Knight of Flushing and her Court. The pageant invites young ladies to participate who are of Irish descent, a Genesee County resident or full-time student at a County high school or college. They completed an Official Biographical Form and were judged on their knowledge of Irish heritage, poise, personality, appearance and an interview with the Screening Committee: Theresa Hurley, Stacy McGraw and Loretta O’Reilly. Eight contestants from around Genesee County competed for more than $4,500 in scholarship awards. Ms. Knight received $2,000; first runner up Mariah Byrnes of Laingsburg received $1,500 and second runner up Caroline Vance of Flint, $1,000. The contestants were judged by Paul Cavanaugh, Gerri Lajewski and Lisa Marie Szukhent.
Following the pageant, the night was filled with more Irish traditions, including dancing performed by Hubbardston Dance Troupe, a bagpiper and music by The Pub Runners. Attendees also enjoyed Irish stew and corned beef sandwiches.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is America’s oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization.
