The Irish have a long history in Hartford, having performed much of the heavy labor required to work in the quarry, build roads and buildings to meet the demands of an ever-growing city.

The first St. Lawrence O'Toole Church in the South West neighborhood was constructed in 1876 to meet to meet community needs of the expanding Irish population.

And so it quite proper that Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated with gusto in the city, highlighted by a parade through downtown.