With Irish eyes smiling on Saint Patrick's Day, many in Binghamton's Irish community reflected on how their presence in the city has changed. Reporter Emily Lorsch explains that with fewer people in the city from Irish descent, many who take pride in the green are making sure their culture is celebrated for generations to come.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y.-- "My dad worked for the railroad and the railroad was full of Irish men. You had the police, the firemen, I mean they were Irish. It was just the way it was," said Hibernian Connie Legos.
"Back then, the Irish married the Irish, the Polish married the Polish, the Italian married the Italian and I think those mores have changed," said Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians past president Meryl Deemie.
As time passed, the demographics in Binghamton shifted and the number of Irish people in the city has dwindled.
"It's changed. I mean it's young people, it's the schools, they're bringing a lot of things into this community," said Legos.
Now many people at the Ancient Order of Hibernians said they're focused on continuing traditions and spreading their culture, especially on days like Tuseday, Saint Patrick's Day.
"We still all get together and that's the most important thing," added Legos.
"In today's society people get carried away with the big house, the big cars, the big things, and they forget what life is all about and that is your heritage and your religion and those things and I think this brings them back to that and gives them a chance to learn about your heritage," Deemie said.
And with programs such as the Maid of Erin and Irish History Contest, those interested in learning more about Irish heritage and getting more involved in the community can.
"It's just a wonderful wonderful feeling to watch your heritage go onto the next generation and next generation," Deemie added.
By passing down their heritage these Hibernians said there will always be a strong Irish community in Binghamton.