irishphiladelphia.com

The former Philadelphia auxiliary bishop and St. Patrick’s Day parade chaplain has passed away. We interviewed this well-known pillar of the Philadelphia Irish community in June 2010, after his installation. We re-publish that interview today, and we share some of our favorite photos of this humble and gracious man.

The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association sashed its grand marshal, Harry Marnie, and St. Patrick’s Ring of Honor, including blind singer Timmy Kelly and a host of others whose work fits the parade’s theme, which commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Irish Memorial.

It’s never official until the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick host their annual ceremony honoring Philly’s Irish patriots and the mayor issues his annual proclamation. Now we can get this party started.

The event, at the new Fraternal Order of Police Heroes Ballroom, was a big, noisy, wonderful affair. We have photos.

The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade ditched the usual misty, gray Irish weather, drawing huge crowds. We have hundreds of photos. (Maybe there’s one of you.)

They were on their feet all afternoon at the Springfield Country Club, helping to raise funds for the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We have the pics.

They face formidable obstacles, but Irish dance brings these developmentally challenged ladies together for moments of pure joy. Watch for the Divine Providence Rainbow Irish Step Dancers when they make their debut in Sunday’s Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Food, drink, dance and rebel songs … a great start to the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day fund-raising season.