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WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade, proudly presented by the Irish Society for Education and Charity, Inc. is scheduled for this Saturday, March 15. 2025. This year’s parade is led by Grand Marshal J. Mac McCafferty. Mac has served on the Irish Centre of Pittsburgh's board for 35 years, including roles as Vice President and Treasurer. For over 30 years, he has been a dedicated member of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and is also active in several other Irish organizations.
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WHEREAS, among the honored participants is the Ancient Order of Hibernians Man of the Year Ed McManus and the most honored participants is 2025 “Miss Smiling Irish Eyes” Queen Melanie Grace Rayl and Miss Smiling Irish Eyes Court Maidens, Reece Maggie Flowers and Elizabeth Rose Fitzgerald Sweeney; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Rayl, the daughter of Christopher and Mary Mallon Rayl of Mt. Lebanon, is currently a junior at Trinity College in Connecticut. She has been awarded the Trinity College Presidential Scholarship and recognized for her honors studies, English composition achievements, and outstanding academic performance. Melanie is studying the Irish language and drafting her senior research project on the Irish community's historical and cultural impact on Pittsburgh. After graduating from Trinity, she plans to pursue graduate studies in Ireland; and,
WHEREAS, Court Maiden Reece Maggie Flowers of the North Hills is currently a freshman at Chatham University, where she is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Environmental Social Work. She resides in an honors LLC and graduated from North Hills High School last year with a 4.4 GPA; and,
WHEREAS, Court Maiden Elizabeth Rose Fitzgerald Sweeney of the North Hills is a senior at Avonworth High School, where she maintains a 4.5 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has participated in a Catholic mission trip through Divine Mercy Parish to Jamaica, where she served disabled children and adults; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and thank all of the organizers and participants for making Pittsburgh nationally known as having one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare, March 11-17, 2025 to be “St. Patrick’s Day Parade Week” in the City of Pittsburgh.