Brophy Clan Makes It Four in a Row!

Following another triumphant march through the streets of downtown Peoria, clan members gathered for a series of pictures on Spalding Avenue.  Again missing from this photo were a number of members of the clan who were trying to capture this crew on film.  Also, the leprechaun who stood atop Blarney Castle climbed down from his perch and is pictured at right.

A few pictures of the day with more to come!

     Aoife holds the trophy awarded to Flynn's Irish Dancers for their entry in the Organizational Division while Brendan displays the trophy won by the Brophy Clan for their entry in the Family Novelty Division of Peoria's 2007 St. Patrick's Day Parade.  The award presentation was held during the St. Patrick Society's annual party held at the Holiday Inn City Center.

     This is the fourth year in a row and the fifth out of the last six years that the family has won first place in their category.  The Flynn School of Irish Dance took second this year and was awarded a first place trophy in their division in 2005.

     Princess Grace admires the quilt that Karen and Madeline Brophy made for this year's chili supper silent auction.  The quilt was a striking feature at the after parade party at the Northern Oaks Clubhouse in Groveland.

     Each of the squares pictured came from one of the family shirts that have become such a fixture on St. Patrick's Day.  The children of Jim and Pauline Brophy submitted the high bid on this masterpiece and then gave it to their mother.  The quilt will be passed down through that branch of the family.  We know it will hang at family gatherings for years to come as a reminder of the fun we've had celebrating the name Brophy.

     Last July the Back Room featured an article on ND wide receiver and Peoria Chief pitcher, Jeff Samardzija.  It contained grainy pictures taken with a cell phone of Kate Davis and Kelly Schuler meeting him downtown after his Peoria debut.  Well, that is probably just the beginning of our coverage on him!

     On March 23rd, Barb and Kellie headed to Fitch Park in Mesa where Kellie tracked down Jeff to have him sign that Back Room and a baseball.  She then told him that she had a "lame" request . . . his picture holding the Back Room for her family.  Fine thing . . . a lame request!!!