UIS Irish Plaza, or United Irish Societies Irish Plaza, is a park and memorial dedicated to honoring Metro Detroit's Irish immigrant community and their descendants.[1]
History
The flags at the UIS Irish Plaza
Led by Ed Neubacher and Mike McGunn, with graphic assistance by Margaret O'Neill,[2] the project began in 2001 when Michigan Department of Transportation granted the United Irish Societies permission to use the property for a commemorative plaza. Funding for project was obtained through the sale of various elements of the landscape and hardscape, the primary components being engraved brick pavers. On Sunday, May 21, 2006 the United Irish Societies Irish Plaza was dedicated[3] as a "memorial for past and present members of the Irish community, and the starting point for the St. Patrick's Parade for present and future generations to come."
It continues to be used as the starting point for the Detroit St. Patrick's Parade,[4] and a gathering place for various events in the Detroit Irish community.
The memorial pavers at the UIS Irish Plaza
See also
Corktown
North Corktown
References
^Delicato, Armando; Demery, Julie (October 22, 2007). Detroit's Corktown. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing. p. 64. ISBN 0738551554.
^"Dedication of the United Irish Societies " Irish Plaza" in Corktown". Archived from the original on 2017-10-27. Retrieved 2017-10-26.
^Hayes, Dennis (May 16, 2006). "Plaza erected in Corktown to honor Irish heritage". Model D. Detroit, Michigan: Issue Media Group. Archived from the original on October 27, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
^"Your guide to Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade, Corktown Races Sunday". WXYZ. Southfield, Michigan. March 10, 2017. Archived from the original on October 27, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
