The Knights of Saint Patrick held their annual Saint Patrick’s Day Luncheon on March 17 at the Pierre Hotel on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
The prestigious event was attended by over 250 guests in recognition of Michael A. Benn, Grand Marshal of the 264th Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, and Joseph M. Murphy, Jr., the Knights of Saint Patrick Aide to the Grand Marshal.
Special recognition was also afforded John Samuelson, a fellow Knight of Saint Patrick who served as the Grand Council of Emeralds Aide to the Grand Marshal.
John F. Tully, Chairman of the Knights of Saint Patrick, acknowledged the honorees and paid tribute to the Knights, which were established in1988 to assist in preserving the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
In recent times, the Knights have made over $1.85 million in financial contributions to the Parade, and while this remains their primary objective, they say they are honored to support local parade and cultural events that preserve the spirit of Irish America, and Saint Patrick, throughout the Metropolitan Area.
Tánaiste Simon Harris, who is also Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered the special guest speech. Those in attendance included Helena Nolan, Consul General of Ireland in New York, and former grand parade grand marshals James O’Connor, Michael Gibbons, Brian O’Dwyer, and Margaret Timoney.
The soloist dedicated two great Limerick songs to Grand Marshal and Limerick native Michael Benn, “Limerick, You're a Lady,” and “Shannon Side.”
