Dublin City University playing a key part in New York City’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations

Dublin City University will play a key part in the upcoming St Patrick’s Day celebrations in New York City with a number of university representatives and students leading this year’s festivities.

Brian O’Dwyer, a trustee of Dublin City University is this year’s Grand Parade Marshal and will lead marchers up Fifth Avenue tomorrow (Saturday, March 16th) in the 258th New York City Parade, the world’s oldest and largest civic parade celebrating Irish heritage and culture.

A senior partner at O’Dwyer and Bernstien, Brian was recognised by DCU with an honorary doctorate in 2013 for his contribution to improving the lives of others.

Most notable among his many achievements has been the establishment of the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre, which is the largest Irish immigrant centre in the United States.

In its 25 years of existence, the centre has helped thousands of Irish men and women as they immigrated to New York City.

The centre also serves as a focal point for the advocacy of Irish immigrant causes. Brian follows a proud family tradition as both his father (Paul) and Uncle William were marshals of the parade in 1974 and 1938 respectively.

In addition to the parade, DCU students Erica Mannion, Tomasina McGinnity, Emma Cronly, Shauna Mannion and James Wallace will perform as part of the service at St Patrick’s Cathedral, under the tutelage of Dr Roisin Blunnie and Dr Sean Doherty from the Faculty of Theology, Philosophy and Music.

All five students are studying for a Bachelor of Religious Education and Music and between them boast an impressive array of musical talents; Erica (singer and fiddler), Tomasina (singer and piano accordion player), Emma (singer and flute player), Shauna (singer and flute player) and James (singer and tin-whistle) will perform in front of a large gathering in New York’s most iconic cathedral.