Susan Cain Hinson has always looked forward to St. Patrick’s Day.
“My first memory of the celebration was the big tent and party at Mary Mahoney’s,” recalls the Biloxi resident. “From that day, I was hooked!”
Susan’s father, the late James M. Cain, was a member of the Hibernia Marching Society of Mississippi — instilling pride in his family’s Irish- American background. This year, Hinson will have a place of honor in the society’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, including the annual parade set for Saturday, March 14.
“I am so honored to have been chosen to be the 2020 Colleen for the Hibernia Marching Society of Mississippi!” Hinson exclaims. Chuck Kelly, who will serve as grand marshal, “is a dear friend and someone I admire and respect,” she says, “so it makes it extra special.”
Hinson comes from a long line of Irish immigrants who settled in the South. Her great-great grandfather, William Cain, was descended from seven Caine brothers who traveled from Ireland to Orange County, North Carolina, between 1750 and 1760. Her grandfather, Samuel Robert Cain, son of Dr. James Frederick Cain, moved to Mississippi in 1893.
“My late father loved his Irish heritage and Ireland; he and my mother visited Ireland six times,” Hinson says. “I was fortunate to accompany them in 2009 and fell in love with the beauty of Ireland and the nature of its people.”
Celeste O’Keefe, Hibernia Society president, calls Hinson “the perfect colleen for us.”
“She loves her Irish heritage,” O’Keefe says. “She is so proud and excited to be colleen, and that makes us excited.”
Someone must be a society member for at least two years to be chosen colleen, the president adds, and Hinson will serve and be honored at various events — including the Comeallyee Ball on March 13 and the Lace Curtain/Blarney Luncheon on March 7.
Outside of Hibernia, Hinson is co-owner and manager of Cain Oil Properties LLC and also works for Denver-based Lone Tree Energy and Associates. Along with her husband, Scott, she is a sponsor in the Gulf Coast Carnival Association and sits on the board of directors. Hinson was crowned Queen Ixolib in 1988 and served as a maid in 1987. She and Scott were a maid and duke last year for the Revelers Carnival Organization.
“I love to see our community come together
and celebrate together,” she says.