Irish find a way to celebrate in Czech community

With St. Patrick's Day less than a week away, many New Prague area residents are preparing for the Irish holiday.

Judge John Fitzgerald remembers not only some of the ways his family has celebrated the holiday, but also the many Irish citizens of the area who found a way to celebrate their special day in a predominantly Czech community. The retired District Court judge listed such names as pharmacist George Layne, Dr. Elmer Doherty and barber Rollie Nash. There was also Ed Sharkey, a farmer who later became a realtor, Sister Jameen Mapes, former administrator of Queen of Peace Hospital, Sister Catherine McGinnis, also from Queen of Peace Hospital, and William (Bill) Timmons, who was a member of the city council and became mayor of New Prague.

He mentioned other prominent Irishmen from the city's history.

Art and Len Suel bought the printing company