News Summary
William ‘Bill’ Patrick Enright, founder of the Bluegrass Irish Society and Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade, passed away at age 79. His dedication to community and cultural celebrations impacted many residents, fostering a shared appreciation for Irish heritage. The city honors his legacy with events in remembrance, reflecting his lasting influence on the local culture and spirit.
Lexington, KY – William “Bill” Patrick Enright, the founder of the Bluegrass Irish Society and the Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival, passed away on July 6 at the age of 79. His contributions to the city and its cultural fabric were highlighted by the community organization he helped establish, which noted his role in revolutionizing the city’s observance of Irish heritage through festive celebrations.
Enright dedicated an impressive 39 years to leading the St. Patrick’s Parade, a testament to his passion for fostering community spirit and connection among residents. His efforts not only enhanced the city’s cultural traditions but also inspired countless others to celebrate and appreciate their heritage.
A Chicago native and U.S. Army veteran, Enright moved to Lexington in pursuit of a career with IBM. It was here that he settled with his family, where he became deeply involved in various community initiatives beyond the St. Patrick’s festivities. His work with the Bluegrass Irish Society reflected a lifelong commitment to enhancing community engagement and cultural celebrations.
In recognition of his passing, the Bluegrass Irish Society shared a sentiment wishing for his eternal peace, stating, “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” which translates to “May he rest at God’s right hand.” This phrase encapsulates the respect and affection the community held for Enright and his legacy.
The City of Lexington is scheduled to honor Enright’s life and contributions with a celebration of life event set for Friday, July 11, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at McCarthy’s Irish bar, located at 117 South Upper Street. Family and friends will gather to remember Enright and his wife, Carol, with whom he shared over 54 years of marriage.
A memorial visitation and service will follow on Saturday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, found at 3421 Harrodsburg Road in Lexington. These events provide an opportunity for the community to come together, share memories, and express their condolences to Enright’s family during this difficult time.
Mayor Linda Gorton issued a statement expressing her sorrow over Enright’s death, highlighting his renowned passion for service and the significant impact he made on the community. His efforts have left an indelible mark on the cultural identity of Lexington, and he will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to bringing people together through celebration and involvement.
As the community reflects on Enright’s life and achievements, it is clear that his legacy will continue to resonate through the traditions he established. The upcoming events in his honor will serve as a reminder of his contributions and the joy he brought to countless individuals through his work in the community. His commitment to celebrating Irish culture and heritage will be honored as Lexington moves forward, continuing the traditions that Enright so passionately fostered.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- LEX18 News
- Google Search: William Bill Patrick Enright
- WKYT News
- Wikipedia: St. Patrick’s Parade
- Fox56 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Irish culture
- WTVQ News
- Google News: Lexington St Patrick’s Event
- Kentucky.com
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
