The Finnegan's Wake video is
comprised of parade clips taken over many years.
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History of the New Dublin Finnegan's Wake
The Finnegan's Wake tradition actually has its roots in what began years ago as a lark.
While the local police were occupied at the high school watching over
school traffic and other juveniles, Mike Coyle, Judy McDaniel,
Fluff Barrington, Dave Mulroy, and others decided to take a
department store dummy in an old wicker coffin and carry him
from Coyle's Tire to the Midtown Restaurant performing an Irish Wake.
In fact, it became the first “Finnegan’s Wake” in New London, in their own
impromptu St. Patrick’s Day parade. When it was found out, they
were told if they wanted to do this the next year they needed a
permit. No one imagined then that this humble beginning in
1983 would
grow into the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the state of
Wisconsin.
Today, the New Dublin Finnegan's Wake makes appearances during
the week of St. Patrick's Day festivities each March in the
Grand Parade, Friday night at Pup's
Irish Pub for the service, Irish Fest, and other appearances.