All posts from Tom Keenan
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2023 Irish Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Ceremony
Philadelphia’s Irish gathered at the Memorial to remember those that were starved to death in Ireland by oppressors and the many that travelled on what was known as Coffin Ships to America. Today we paid homage to their courage and fortitude.
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Views from the 2023 Philadelphia Saint Patrick’s Parade
Philadelphia Saint Patrick’s Day Observance Association proudly announces 2023 Philadelphia Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Award Winners: Hon. James H.J. Tate Award (Founded in 1980)Outstanding Organization that Exemplifies the Spirit of the Parade Sponsored by: Mike Driscoll2023 Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Msgr. Thomas J. Rilley Award (Founded 1979)Outstanding Fraternal OrganizationSponsored by: AOH Division 39 Msgr. Thomas J. Rilley2023 Cairdeas Irish Brigade George Costello Award (Founded 1979) (This was named the Jim Enright Award Prior to 1986)Outstanding Float in the ParadeSponsored by: The Irish Society2023 The Friendly […] Read More
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2023 Pre-Parade Mass at St. Patrick’s Church
Archbishop Nelson Perez celebrated Mass along with parade Chaplain Reverend Kevin Gallagher, honoring Saint Patrick before the parade. The church was filled, with the many friends and family of the Grand Marshal and Ring of Honor. Music and singing was provided by Bishop Shanahan High School and Karen Boyce McCallum and Frank Gallagher.
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2023 Philly St. Patrick’s Day Sashing @ LIVE
The Philadelphia Saint Patrick’s Day Observance Association held the Sashing of the 2023 Parade Grand Marshal and Ring of Honor at LIVE Casino on Thursday March 9th. As a special surprise treat for Grand Marshal, Dan Harrell, his AOH flew in the lads from Saint Malachy’s Belfast, Ireland to perform. The look on his face, as he entered the hall and realized who was on the stage playing, was priceless and brought a tear of […] Read More
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March Proclaimed Irish Month in Philadelphia
At City Hall in Philadelphia on Thursday, there was a wreath laying at the plaque honoring the Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick, and Irish flag raising. Proclamations were read in the Mayor’s Reception Room by City Council members officially declaring March as Irish Month in the City Of Philadelphia.
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Ceili Dancing, Anyone?
Noreen Donahue Mcaleer and Megan Glanz started teaching adult ceili lessons at the MacSwiney Club in Jenkintown. I popped in one Wednesday and was surprised. There was a room full of young women that I had never seen before. Noreen told me they were mostly neighborhood women out spending time together, learning something knew. I’m came away impressed. Ideally, I would like to see the old-time ceili dances come back, where young people can dance […] Read More
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2023 Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser
Delco sure knows how to throw a party. The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association hosted its annual fundraising event Sunday at the Springfield Country Club. With live music provided by Michael Boyce, John McGillian and Jimmy McGrory throughout, there was plenty of singing and carrying on. As always, one of the most anticipated parts of the event was the scone baking contest. The party also featured a best-dressed children contest, where everyone was given […] Read More
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When the Saints Come Marching In
Father Edward J. Sourin founded the Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute in December 1850. Since then, the Philo, as it is called, has focused on a particular mission: to support traditional and non-traditional Catholic education throughout the Philadelphia region. The Sourin Award was created in 1960 to recognize individuals who have followed the example of Father Sourin in dedicating their lives to the implementation of their Catholic faith in their family lives, their businesses, and in […] Read More
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Setting the Bar High
This year’s Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day grand marshal, Dan Harrell, set the bar high for all future GMs. In fashion, with his custom-made jacket and his embroidered cap, he is certainly a fancy Dan. To top it off, yesterday he threw a fundraiser for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at the New Deck Tavern in University City. The event started with a 0.317k Run, Jog or Walk (without spilling your drink) contest, going around the […] Read More
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Larry Kirwan’s IABCN Acceptance Speech
On Friday February 24, musician, writer, and playwright Larry Kirwan received the Irish American Business Chamber & Network (IABCN) 2023 Uachtarán (President) Award in Philadelphia from Irish Ambassador to the USA, Geraldine Byrne Nason at a Union League luncheon. (Photo Tom Keenan) Kirwan, a Wexford native who emigrated to New York at the age of 21, may be best known for being the front man of the rock band Black 47 and a political activist. […] Read More