Brendan Devine Named 2019 Mr. Shamrock

The Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick's Day Celebration Committee announced the winners of the 2019 Mr. Shamrock Scholarship Program. They were selected among 8 applicants. Mr. Shamrock 2019 is Brendan Devine a senior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, son of Terence and Ann Devine.

Named after the famous Irish Saint and navigator, Mr. Shamrock Brendan Devine traces his roots back to 1854 in Derawley, Drumlish Co. Longford and still has relatives there. It was his great-grandparents who emigrated to the US. He is an Honor Roll student at Fairfield Ludlowe, an Eagle Scout, Sea Scout and an Altar Server at St. Pius X. He has a twin brother Patrick and his sister Emily was Miss Shamrock in 2015.

Mr. Shamrock Runner-Up is Michael Fickes from Fairfield College Preparatory School, son of Eileen Fickes.

The Mr. & Miss Shamrock Scholarship Contest is held annually at the Gaelic American Club, Fairfield. All high school seniors of Irish descent in the greater Bridgeport area are encouraged to submit an application to the Parade Committee. All candidates are interviewed by an independent panel of judges and winners are chosen based upon their knowledge of their Irish heritage, traditions, history, the meaning of St. Patrick’s Day, their involvement in their community, their interests and activities.

The winners receive a monetary scholarship award of $3,000 for future educational endeavors. Runners-up also are awarded a monetary scholarship of $1,750. The awards will be presented by the 2019 Grand Marshal Peter Carroll of Stratford on January 18, 2019 at the Grand Marshal's Ball at Vazzano's Four Seasons of Stratford.

Mr. & Miss Shamrock will participate in the Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parade festivities including riding on the float during the parade in downtown Bridgeport on Friday, March 15, 2019. For more information visit, http://stpatricksdaybridgeport...

Photos by Laura St. John Photography