THERE was an extra Irish element to the traditional St Patrick’s Day parades in New York and Boston last weekend when Co Meath equine enthusiasts Stephen Hand and Susan Oakes were among the participants.

Dowth native and Central Park carriage driver Stephen Hand had the honour of driving the New York St Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, and her 15-year-old grandson Liam Picco in the NYC parade.

Brennan Glucksman, a noted philanthropist, who oversaw contributions of €300 million to various projects during her 18-year term as chairperson of the American Ireland fund, had earlier attended Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

“Samson is my favourite horse. I like going on the carriage rides through Central Park and listening to Stevie’s stories,” said Liam, who is managing epilepsy and spends time with Hand and other carriage drivers in an informal equine therapy programme.

Hand explained how the connection started, saying: “Two years ago, Liam’s mother, Kate Picco, brought him out for a carriage ride. She knew someone that I knew. That’s a typical Irish thing, and we all became friends.

“I love having Liam as part of my life. He gets involved in feeding, grooming and driving our equine buddies. Nothing else matters for that hour apart from Liam’s interaction with his equine buddies,” Hand explained.

Walking alongside was Conor McHugh, the Leitrim-born manager of Clinton Park Stables where Samson and Hand operate from.