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Syracuse's Tipperary Hill Continues St. Patrick's Day Tradition

St. Patrick's day in Syracuse is when nearly everyone tries to wear something green and becomes Irish at heart.  We caught up with a few genuine Irish folks at the annual ceremony at Stonethrower’s park on Tipperary Hill.

Many native Central New Yorkers trace their Irish heritage back many generations to the 1800's.  But some like Ellen Kriegenstack are first generation Irish-American.  She grew up in County Kerry, and came to Syracuse in 1967 on an American passport.  Her father served in the U.S. for 30 years. 

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WAER News
Children from All Saints School sing Irish songs at the ceremony at Stonethrower's Park.

"My father always told us wherever you go, be proud of your Irish heritage," she said.  "When we came here, we're very proud to live in Tipp Hill.  It's a lovely neighborhood, and everybody wants to be friendly and do good for the neighborhood."

Al and Phyllis Kissane are also first generation Irish-American, coming to Syracuse in the 1960’s.  He’s from County Tipperary…the one in Ireland, and she’s from Dublin.   Phyllis says they settled here for a few reasons.

"I have family here, and also economic opportunities.  There were more jobs here than in Ireland at the time...we cam in the '60's," said Phyllis.

"I had an uncle on Onondaga Hill, so I came to him.  Then I stayed here, got a job, bought a house...," Al said.

"...The rest is history...then we met," said Phyllis.

They’ve been married 50 years.  The guest of honor at Thursday’s ceremony was Mary Jo Coleman, who’s 

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WAER News
Mayor Stephanie Miner and Mary Jo Coleman at Thursday's ceremony.

 the sister of pub owner Peter Coleman.  She says her grandparents settled in Syracuse about 100 years ago.

"My grandparents had nothing.  My grandfather was a bricklayer, and my grandmother got into buying houses and rehabbing houses.  She had a big, big influence on us," said Mary Jo.

Mayor Stephanie Miner declared March 17, 2016 "Mary Jo Coleman Day" in the city.  She worked as a social worker in the Syracuse City School district for 25 years.  She also operated the Cashel House on Tompkins Street for decades, selling authentic Irish imports.  Coleman is also credited for keeping Tipp Hill vibrant by choosing artistic colors for Peter's rental properties.  

  

Scott Willis covers politics, local government, transportation, and arts and culture for WAER. He came to Syracuse from Detroit in 2001, where he began his career in radio as an intern and freelance reporter. Scott is honored and privileged to bring the day’s news and in-depth feature reporting to WAER’s dedicated and generous listeners. You can find him on twitter @swillisWAER and email him at srwillis@syr.edu.