February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The aides, who will be honored alongside Gibbons when he is formally installed as grand marshal are: Tom Jordan of the Knights of St. Patrick; John O’Connell of Nassau County; Pat Shannon representing Suffolk County; Sister Margaret Murphy of Orange County and Michael Flynn for Bronx County.
Additionally there is Teresa Morris representing Rockland County; Francis McLoughlin of Queens County; Kathleen Reilly from Kings County; Jim Cuggy for New York County; Frank O’Brien representing Westchester County; Joe Ferris from Richmond County: Denis Mulcahy, representing the Grand Council of Emeralds; Mike Fogarty of the United Irish Counties and Joe Bryant, who will be the aide at large.
“Each year, the aides to the grand marshal are selected for their outstanding service to the Irish American- community of New York. Their selection as an side is acknowledgement for years of unselfish, dedicated and distinguished service. We are always happy to recognize outstanding individuals, and this year’s aides, I must say, are exceptional,” said parade secretary Hilary Beirne.
“Most New Yorkers will recognize the aides this year. For example, Denis Mulcahy is formerly of the NYPD Bomb Squad and is the founder of Project Children,” said parade chairman, John Dunleavy.
“We are also honoring Joe Bryant from the Fire Department of New York Holy Name Society for his years of service to the FDNY, the society and the parade. John O’Connell is a well known newspaper editor on Long Island with a career in journalism for over 15 years, and my good friend, Pat Shannon, the aide for Suffolk County, is an outstanding member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians,” Dunleavy said.
“We are delighted to honor all of these individuals and we look forward to a great Parade on March 17,” Dunleavy added.
The official installation of the grand marshal and his aides will take place on Wednesday, January 14 at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan.