Fr. Brian McCarthy was born and reared in Washington Heights, the son of Michael and Mary (née Newman) McCarthy. His McCarthy ancestors would have emigrated from County Cork during the Great Hunger, and his maternal grandfather, Harry Newman, was born in New York City, but raised in Kells, County Meath, before returning to New York where he married and raised his family.  Fr. McCarthy is the youngest of three, with an older sister Maureen Lee, and brother, Richard.  He attended St. Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Cathedral Preparatory School, Cathedral College, finishing off at St. Joseph’s Seminary.  He served as a Deacon at Holy Spirit Church Bronx and was ordained a priest at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on December 6, 1975.  Fr. McCarthy has served in many parishes in the Archdiocese of New York … St. John’s Kingsbridge (1976-1982), Our Lady of Mercy Fordham (1982-1985), St. Joseph’s Tremont (1985-1988), St. Barnabas Woodlawn (1988-1997), St. Bartholomew’s Yonkers (1997-2004), Christ the King Yonkers (2004-2007) and finally, St. Margaret of Cortona Riverdale since 2007, now the Parish of St. Margaret of Cortona and St. Gabriel where he serves as Pastor.  Fr. McCarthy joined AOH Division 5 Bronx in 1992 and served as Chaplain. He is currently the Chaplain of the AOH Bronx County.  Each summer Fr. McCarthy travels to Ireland and spends some time as priest on the Island of Inishbofin off the coast of Connemara in County Galway. He is very proud of his Irish heritage and is honored to be named an Aide to this year’s Grand Marshal.