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Sister Act

Biloxi native succeeds her sibling as colleen for Hibernia Marching Society

As she rides through the streets of Biloxi in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, celebrating Irish culture and heritage, Kristina Winter will be following in her sister’s footsteps.

Winter, who was chosen as colleen for this year’s parade, is the sibling of Kathryn Winter, who received the honor last year. This marks the first time in the Hibernia Society’s history that sisters have held the title back to back, according to president Mary McCusker.

Colleen candidates must submit a resume and photo, McCusker explains, and the winner is chosen by vote. A University of Mississippi alum, Kristina graduated with highest honors, and was an intern in the Disney College program, a Gulf Coast and state debutante and a Krewe of Neptune maid. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution-Biloxi Chapter, Biloxi Yacht Club and Les Masquees.

“She is amazing,” McCusker says. “She is exactly what we want women to be as ambassadors for Hibernia.”

The new colleen says sharing the distinction with her sister is an honor she’ll never forget.

“My first reaction [to the news] was thinking back on all the St. Patrick’s Day parades I’ve attended since I was a little girl, and how in awe I was of each colleen,” Winter says. “Needless to say, I was thrilled when I got the call.

“Representing this club is so special to me because my Irish heritage is something that’s always been important to me, and getting to celebrate that with everyone is so exciting.”

Kristina Winter and John Michael O’Keefe

The Winters are descended from Cornelius Regan, who married Bridget Horan and came to New Orleans from Ireland during the Great Famine of the 1840s. Their great-grandfather, Cornelius Regan, and grandfather, Cornelius Joseph Regan, were full-blooded Irishmen.

As colleen, Kristina will partner with grand marshal John Michael O’Keefe to represent the organization at parties and events throughout the year. The society is involved in a number of informational and charitable efforts within the community.

“The object of Hibernia is to spread Irish history and spirit,” McCusker says. Although the society was not formally organized until 1978, a dedicated group of Irish Americans met for about 17 years at Mary Mahoney’s Old French House restaurant. Dr. John O’Keefe, great uncle of this year’s grand marshal, put an appeal in the newspaper, soliciting interest in a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and a society to sponsor such activities.

This year’s parade is set for March 16 at 2 p.m., beginning at the Biloxi Yacht Club and ending at Esters Boulevard. On March 8, the society will be lighting the Biloxi lighthouse green, followed by a party for members at White House Hotel. A ladies’ luncheon and hat contest is planned for March 9, and the Comeallye Banquet is open to the public and will be held March 15 at IP Casino Resort.

An Irish Derby and 5k run will precede the parade on the morning of March 16. For more information about these activities, or becoming a society member, visit http:// www.hiberniamarchingsociety.com/join-us.html.