HMS Membership

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The Hibernia Marching Society was organized in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1978 and incorporated as The Hibernia Marching Society of Mississippi, Inc., in 1989.

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Although the Society was not formally organized until 1978, informal gatherings were held for about seventeen years by several spirited Irish Americans at Mary Mahoney’s Old French House Restaurant in Biloxi, Mississippi. Often the idea of organizing a St. Patrick’s Day Parade was discussed. However, a wee bit of Irish Blarney tells us that the idea lasted no longer than the last bottle of Bushmill.

In 1978, Dr. John O’Keefe, a Biloxi physician, decided to take some action. He placed an article in the Sun Herald newspaper, extending an invitation to all Irish, and those who would like to be Irish, to attend a meeting at Mary Mahoney’s to discuss the organization of the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the establishment of a society to sponsor such events. From the modest beginning, the Hibernia Marching Society of Mississippi, Inc. has become one of the largest and most viable organizations on the Gulf Coast, offering various events, most of which are described on this website.