Pittsburgh Irish Happenings #2

St. Patrick's Day Parade Button Party

The Button Party took place Friday, March 9th at Mitchell's Restaurant, 304 Ross Street, Downtown Pittsburgh. A grand time was had by all! The Grand Marshall, Jim Lamb was presented to the crowd as was the Court of Miss Smiling Irish Eyes. Posted here is a group of pictures from the party plus what some of us enjoyed afterwards and then a couple of pictures from the Parade.

Here we have Parade Chairman, Jim Green in front, Jack Goodrich Fundraising Chariman in background, and Grand Marshall, Jim Lamb at the podium.

The young ladies of The Court, Colleen Murphy, a senior at North Hills High School, and Kelly O'Leary, a senior at South Park High School.

Miss Smiling Irish Eyes 2007 - Jocilyn Delaney, a senior Honor Student at Shaler High School. Jocilyn could not make the Button Party as she was in a basketball playoff game against Oakland Catholic.



Here is Kelly O'Leary with her Grandmother, Kate O'Leary, a Daughter of Erin and the 2005 Tara Award Winner.



Here are the parents of Colleen Murphy, Michael and Anna Maria Murphy from the North Hills.

Paraic McCague and Fran Sheedy were enjoying the party. Paraic is with the Pittsburgh Celtic Gaelic Football Club.


It looks like I was still talking when a friend took this shot of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Raventhal. He was having a good time meeting many of his constituents who hopefully will vote for him in May.

And of course I had to have a photo taken with County Executive, Dan Onorato who brought his daughter Emily with him. He does a really good job and most folks appreciate his unending reserve of energy. Keep it up Dan!!

This is a group of 'big guys'. In front is Jimmy Richert (not as big as the others), Kevin O'Donnell (6'4"), Barry Driscoll (6'7"), and Al Smith (about 6'4"). Jimmy, Kevin and Barry are members of AOH Division 17 in Monroeville. I have had some good times with these guys; tons of laughs and chuckles! Al Smith and I have known each other for a very long time; he works for Congressman Mike Doyle.

Another member of AOH Division 17, Chuck Feeney, a good buddy of mine. We shared some good laughs here. As always, it is so delightful seeing Chuck.

This is Alice and Terry Callahan; Terry is a member of AOH Division 9 in Oakland. A lovely couple, we shared great conversation!

After the Button Party many folks meandered to Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle to enjoy Pittsburgh's own Corned Beef & Curry.

The guys from Division 17 were not unattended; they brought their lovely wives to the Button Party. Here we have Kathy Driscoll in front, Kathy O'Donnell in center, and Barry Driscoll in rear.

Kevin O'Donnell with AOH Division 17 and Tom Goslin a business owner in The Strip.

Declan Gilbert and David Regan, tending bar - always working hard to please and serve the customer.

Regular patrons and good friends are Scott Grady and his fiancee Julia.

Here is Jimmy Richert and Kevin O'Donnell again; they were having a good time and good conversation with many folks!

This is none other than 'The Judge' Maurice Cohill and his wife Anne Mullaney, Proprietor of Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle. That is Michael Fallon in the background.

On Saturday, March 10th, The Easter Rising Band made their debut appearance at the Harp & Fiddle. These nine young men met while attending The Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. Although no longer studying for the priesthood, these fellows were really entertaining.

Here is Mary Jo and Danny O'Toole from Brookline as they enjoyed The Easter Rising Band.


These next three pictures are different angles of the band.

These guys had a lot of fun perfoming at the Harp as did the audience enjoying and singing along with them.

Well what do you know? Here is Christie Dullea from England (in the blue sweater) up singing with the band. Christie and his wife Jane along with Pat and Patricia Conroy were visiting their first cousin, John and Barbara Conroy. Christie and Pat grew up in Rusmuc, Connemara, Co. Galway but emigrated to England. They all had a grand time this night!

March 17, 2007 - St. Patrick's Day Parade

I think Mayor Luke Ravensthal must have a bit of Irish in him! Here he is with my driver in the Parade, the lovely and beautiful Valerie Grimes (redhead) and her friend Lauren. Valerie and Lauren were very appreciative of the Mayor taking time to have his picture taken with them.

Valerie and her Dad Jay Grimes, have taken care of driving me in the Parade for many years. Valerie keeps my signs wrapped up after each parade so they look good for the next year and her Mom, Ginny makes sure Valerie brings lots of blankets to keep me warm as we drive down the parade route.

Here are Special Friends as they share yet another St. Patrick's Day Parade driving and riding in the 'Echoes of Erin' car.

The end of this Photo Journey, I hope you enjoyed it and until the next time...

Slan,

Diane