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.