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WHEREAS, Peggy (Margaret) Cooney was a lifelong resident of the City of Pittsburgh where she graduated from St Paul Cathedral High School and St Francis School of Nursing; and,
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WHEREAS, Peggy joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) in 1974, where she held various offices throughout her years of service. In 1985, she was elected State President of the LAOH, succeeding her mother, then-President Sara Madigan. Her dedication and leadership ultimately led her to serve as National President of the organization; and,
WHEREAS, Peggy founded the Allegheny County Claddagh Degree Team and served as its director from its inception until her passing on October 19, 2024. She also took on the role of Chairperson for the Miss Smiling Irish Eyes program within the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, a position she held with dedication until her death; and,
WHEREAS, in addition Peggy was a Chairperson of the Irish Society of Education since the 1990’s as was her brother Martin Madigan until his passing; and,
WHEREAS, Peggy had a deep love for her Irish heritage, embracing its traditions, music, laughter, and camaraderie, which she enthusiastically promoted at every opportunity. She was an icon of the Pittsburgh Irish community and nationally with the LAOH and AOH; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize the late Peggy Cooney and her contributions to the Irish community; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, March 11, 2025 to be “the late Peggy Cooney Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.