New York's Irish community shrinks during St. Patrick's Day

New York's St. Patrick's Day celebrations are seeing fewer Irish participants as the wave of emigrants from the 1980s ages without a new generation to replace them. Many of the original immigrants now live in suburbs and are less involved in nightlife. The undocumented Irish face challenges, including difficulties with inheritances and pensions, as immigration policies have changed. While some have gained legal status, many remain anxious about their situation, especially those with children nearing adulthood. Despite a decline in visibility, the Irish-American community maintains strong cultural ties. Local organizations, like the GAA club in Connecticut, continue to promote Irish culture, reflecting a shift from direct Irish connections to a more established Irish-American identity.