For the past 38 years, the Ballyshaners (Gaelic for “Old Towners”) have hosted Alexandria’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A volunteer organization committed to promoting and preserving Irish heritage and culture, the Ballyshaners hold several fundraisers to help pay costs associated with the parade. Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub on King Street recently hosted one of these events.
Scott Fallon and Gregg Park kept the packed crowd happy playing the Free Flowing Musical Experience trademark mix of rock, folk, and country songs with a generous dose of Irish music stirred in. Meanwhile, the brother/sister dance team of ShamrockRs thrilled with an energetic performance in front of the pub.
For more information on the Ballyshaners or how you can support Alexandria’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade next year, please visit www.ballyshaners.org
Story + Photography by David D’Agostino