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Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Sunday March 18, 2012
Delaware Avenue @ 2 PM
The UIAA elects Patrick Plunkett as the Grand Marshal for the 2012 Saint Patrick's Day Parade!
Patrick has named his brothers Michael, Daniel and John as his Deputy Marshals. Pat has been a member of
the Executive Committee of the UIAA for many years, his commitment has grown from helping with the line
up of the Parade to announcing at the reviewing stand to chairing the first annual Celtic Challenge in 2011, a
four mile run to help fund the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
Patrick is one of eight children of Patricia (Sullivan) Plunkett and the late John Plunkett, a South Buffalo
family. His father John, a veteran of the Korean War was an electrician and served as treasurer of the
Buffalo Irish Center (GAAA). Growing up Pat spent time at the Irish Center playing sports in the former
gym, volunteering to work bingo and helping the members set up for social events. Pat graduated from
Canisius High School where he played football, baseball and basketball. He received a sports and academic
scholarship to attend Hobart and William Smith Colleges. While there he was an All American in lacrosse.
His relationship with Canisius High School has continued through the years where he served as Dean of
Students and coached many sports teams. His volunteer activities include gathering young people to assist
Sr. Johnice at the Response to Love Center. He is now a student at Christ the King Seminary working
towards his Masters Degree in Pastoral Care Ministry.
Mr. Plunkett works in the Insurance and Financial Services Industries. Pat and his wife Colleen (Coughlin) Plunkett have four children: Megan, Anna, Sean and Erin. Colleen is a former engineer at WKBW TV and is now a teacher’s aide at Eggert Rd Elementary School in Orchard Park. While Mr. Plunkett’s brothers are his deputy marshals, his sister Margaret, mother Patricia and wife Colleen will lead the grand marshal family entry with his children, relatives and friends. It will be a major family unit in this year’s Parade.
The 2012 Parade is dedicated to:
the Memory of Catherine M. O'Brien
Catherine Mahoney O’Brien (Kate), who served first as a longtime volunteer giving countless hours over
the early years to the administrative work of the Parade and then as an Executive Committee member of
the organization. Mrs. O’Brien was elected Grand Marshal in 1984. Her husband and only child Dennis,
each held the office of Executive Chairmen for many years and also served as Grand Marshals in 1958 and
1988. The legacy of “Kate” continues with her son as an active member of the UIAA Executive Committee
and her grandchildren who continue her love of the Parade as volunteers on Parade Day. The Saint
Patrick’s Day Parade is truly a family tradition in the O’Brien clan.
The 2012 Parade Mass:
Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Edward Kmiec at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral on Sunday, March 18th
at 10:30AM before the line up for the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. The Parade will start at 2PM at
Niagara Square and proceed north on Delaware Avenue to North Street. Bishop Kmiec will march
with the United Irish American Association, which has conducted this memorable Buffalo tradition since
1940.
The Parade receives recognition and accolades and in a letter to Mayor Brown and in an article in the magazine "Ireland of the Welcomes" published in Dublin, Ireland
(read it).
Below is 2011 Grand Marshal,
Patrick (Rick) O'Sullivan
Parade Day Vendors:
Street vendors are required to have a permit. All inquiries related to permits should be directed
to Tom Young @ 716-913-3527.
Party:
The Caberet Night (Valentine's Party)
February 10, 2012 at the Irish Center
from 7:30 to 11 PM
Music by "Heard of Buffalo",
Beer, Wine, Soda
donation $20.
For tickets call 875-0282 or 574-0367
"Contact Us" via email
Donations:
United Irish-American Assn.
245 Abbott Road
Buffalo, N.Y. 14220
View Donation Levels & Sponsorship