Over 275 guests turned out for the Knights of Saint Patrick annual Saint Patrick’s Day Luncheon on March 17 at the Pierre Hotel on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
The prestigious event saluted Robert J. McCann, Grand Marshal of the 265th Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, and Andrew K .Breslin, the Knights of Saint Patrick Aide to the Grand Marshal.
John F. Tully, Chairman of the Knights of Saint Patrick, paid tribute to members who have carried on the organization's tradition, since its establishment in 1988, of assisting the Big Apple Saint Patrick's Day parade.
Over recent years, the Knights have made almost $2m in financial contributions to the Parade, and, while this remains their primary objective, the organization has also branched out to support 13 local parades and cultural events that preserve the spirit of Irish America, and Saint Patrick, throughout the Metropolitan Area.
Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, delivered the special guest speech.
Attendees included Gerald Angley, Consul General of Ireland in New York; His Eminence Timothy Dolan, Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of New York; Bishop Kevin Sweeney, Diocese of Patterson, New Jersey; Bishop Thomas Deenihan, Diocese of Meath, Ireland; and former grand parade grand marshals James O’Connor, Brian O’Dwyer, and Margaret Timoney.
