Happy St. Patrick's Day 2015

Dear Friends,

There is much happening in the Pittsburgh Irish community over this St. Patrick's Season.  I look forward to seeing many of you over the next couple of weeks as we welcome our international entertainment to Pittsburgh.  The listing is included on Dateline Irish.

Our Parade takes place Saturday, March 14th stepping off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th Street to Grant Street in Downtown Pittsburgh.  There will be 200 marching units including 18 marching bands, which comprise approximately 23,000 people.  An awesome sight!

My congratulations go to our 2015 Grand Marshall -- Marty Madigan.  He has held a variety of offices in the Ancient Order of Hibernians with his Division 9 along with holding the esteemed title of Pennsylvania State President, AOH.

Miss Smiling Irish Eyes is Hannah O'Donoghue.  Hannah is the daughter of Jack O'Donoghue and Patty O'Donoghue of Cranberry Township.  Hannah comes from a long line of Irish born relatives.  Her paternal grandfather was Tom O'Donoghue (RIP) from Listowel, County Kerry; he and wife Peggy (Hannah's grandmother) were owners of the Blarney Stone Restaurant in Etna, that closed due to floods in 2004.  Hannah's also has roots in County Cork and County Mayo.

The Court consists of Kelsey Reiser, daughter of Chris and Mary Ellen Boyle Reiser of Brookline.  She is a senior at Seton-LaSalle High School where she is an honors student.  Kelsey has been active with the Junior Division of the LAOH.

Hannah O'Toole is also  part of the Court as well and is daughter to Marty and Dina O'Toole of Dormont.  Hannah is an honors student and a senior at Bishop Canevin High School.  Hannah has been active with the Junior Division of the LAOH.

It will be a Grand Day for the Irish in Pittsburgh!  Enjoy all of the festivities and be responsible in your actions. 

Also please remember not to wear any of the degrading clothing that retailers persist in selling for St. Patrick's Day.  We know they would not promote and sell such items for any other ethnic group, not for the Polish, nor Mexicans, nor Italians or Africans -- why do they do it for the Irish?  Totally irresponsible retailers for purchasing such garbage.  Boycott them!!  Two offensive stores are Spencers' and Wal Mart.