Donal O’Sullivan served as grand marshal of the 39th annual Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Rockaway Beach, March 1. O’Sullivan is the president and co-owner of Navillus Contracting, which has been working to rebuild the peninsula in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

The daylong celebration began with a Mass for peace and justice in Ireland at St. Francis de Sales Church, Belle Harbor, followed by a hearty breakfast at the Knights of Columbus Msgr. William F. Burke Council.

The line of march stepped off at 1 p.m. led by the honorees, local officials, including City Councilman Eric Ulrich, and Michael Benn, parade president. The parade featured contingents from local schools, including St. Camillus, Rockaway Park; various pipe and drum bands; high school marching bands, including Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, and Archbishop Molloy H.S., Briarwood; dancing schools; and fire/rescue units.