In addition to waving to crowds at the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Biloxi, Stacy McGuire Thunelius will serve as a symbol of Irish culture throughout the coming season.
The McGuire family name comes from Northern Ireland, Thunelius says, and she’s belonged to the Hibernia Irish Society for four years. This year, she received a special honor, as she was elected to serve as the group’s 2023 Colleen.
In that role, she will act as an ambassador for the society, spreading Irish spirit and promoting Irish heritage. Although she has not visited Ireland, she cherishes Irish culture and her connection to the Emerald Isle.
“I love being part of Hibernia and value all the friendships I have made,” Thunelius says. “This group makes everyone feel welcome, and you immediately feel like you are part of a big Irish family.”
Thunelius and her husband, Bob, moved to Biloxi from Tampa, Florida, in 2000 to open Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub, which they owned and operated for 13 years. She is now assistant store manager at Dillard’s in Edgewater Mall in addition to being mom to four children.
Thunelius may be the first member of her family to hold an honor in Hibernia, but she hopes her kids will carry on the tradition and make a name for themselves in the society. For now, she’s gearing up for a fun, yet busy, reign as Colleen.
“We have the Lace Curtain and Blarney luncheon, then the Comeallyee Ball, and, last but not least, the St. Patrick’s Day parade,” she says. “I am looking forward to making a lifetime of memories with each event.”
DEDICATED TO PROMOTING IRISH HERITAGE
The purpose of the Society is to promote interest in Irish Heritage and to develop a great appreciation for Irish Culture. Allied with these objections is the desire to experience good fun and good fellowship among members of the Society who are Irish by birth, marriage, or desire. https://hiberniamarchingsociety.com/