Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, especially in a mayor’s office.
The color of the day was green on March 17 as the towns of Naugatuck and Prospect honored longtime residents as their respective Irish mayors of the day.
“I want to thank you for this honor today. It’s a great day for the Irish and everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day,” said Naugatuck Irish Mayor of the Day William Ward during a ceremony in front of Naugatuck Town Hall.
Ward, who is first generation Irish, has lived in Naugatuck for the past 46 years. A retired quality control manager, Ward also taught religious education at St. Francis School for ten years.
Over the years, Ward has been very active in the Naugatuck community, including coaching Little League and as a member of the Democratic Town Committee.
Ward has also not forgotten his Irish heritage. He is a longtime member of the Naugatuck Ancient Order of Hibernians, twice serving as the organization’s president.
“You get to take over my duties and run the town. I hope you realize Bill, this is not ceremonial. You are in charge today and I’m going out partying,” Naugatuck N. Warren “Pete” Hess jokingly told Ward.
Following the ceremony, the festivities continued at a celebration hosted by the Naugatuck Ancient Order of Hibernians at the Naugatuck Portuguese Club.
As the revelries got under way in the borough, a familiar voice filled the mayor’s office at Prospect Town Hall — and it wasn’t the voice of Prospect Mayor Robert Chatfield.
Ed Flynn, host of The Ed Flynn Saturday on WATR and longtime radio personality, got comfortable in the mayor’s chair after being sworn in as Prospect’s honorary Irish Mayor of the Day by Town Clerk M. Carrie Anderson.
Flynn, 82, has lived in Prospect for three decades. His father hails from Ireland as well as his mother’s parents.
Standing behind the mayor’s desk, Chatfield gave Flynn a copy of the town’s proposed budget to sign to “officially” adopt.
“Just like Congress, don’t read it you just sign it,” Flynn quipped.
After getting comfortable in his seat for the day, Flynn put all kidding aside.
“I’m thrilled to death, really,” Flynn told Chatfield about being recognized. “Honestly Bob, I’m honored.”
Luke Marshall contributed to this article.
