JOSEPH MCDONALD, GRAND MARSHAL
2025 GLEN COVE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Joe McDonald, born Eric Marc Barrett on March 28, 1970, to Colleen Barrett of Erie, PA, has had quite a journey. Adopted at three months by Joseph and Catherine McDonald of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Joe grew up alongside his older brother, Marty. While he spent his early years in Brooklyn, Joe has called Long Island home for the past 15 years. Over that time, he’s lived in Massapequa, West Hempstead, and now Deer Park. He also runs his business in Franklin Square.
Joe’s career spans multiple fields, but he’s perhaps best known for his 15 years as a sports reporter. During that time, he had the chance to cover some of New York’s most significant sporting events, like the World Series, Stanley Cup Finals, and US Open Finals. His passion for sports journalism led him to write columns about the Mets and Major League Baseball for NY Sports Day, a website he founded in 2004 and sold in 2020. He also worked as the managing editor of NY Sportscene Magazine and was assistant editor at Mets Inside Pitch Magazine.
In addition to his sports career, Joe spent 12 years running a web development business and another 15 years as a financial consultant. His broad professional experience made the transition into real estate a natural fit. For the past eight years, Joe has worked as a loan and title closer, and today, he’s an agent with Berkshire Hathaway. In his real estate role, Joe is all about helping both sellers and buyers. He works closely with sellers to get their properties market-ready and secure the best price possible, while for buyers, he’s skilled at finding the right homes and negotiating the best deals.
Outside of his professional life, Joe is deeply involved in the Irish community. He’s been a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for years and played a key role in growing the Mineola Division. His dedication has earned him leadership roles, including chairing conventions and serving as Chairman of the Long Island Irish Fest, an annual event in Franklin Square. He is Vice President on the Nassau County Board and previously sat on the National and New York State Boards. In 2015, he was honored as Aide to the Grand Marshal of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and in 2013, he had the same distinction with the Glen Cove Parade.
Joe’s community involvement doesn’t stop there. He’s also a member of the Sons of Italy in Deer Park, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick on Long Island, and the Irish American Society of Nassau Suffolk and Queens.
Joe is proud to share his life with his two children, Joseph and Jamie, and his partner, Alicia Louisa. His strong commitment to his family, career, and community reflects his well-rounded approach to life.
