BIG INTERVIEW: Tipperary man chosen for important role in New York's St Patrick's Day parade

The County Tipperary N&B Association of New York has proudly announced that Martin Quinn of Bansha, County Tipperary, has been selected as Grand Marshal for the New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday, March 17.

He will also serve as Grand Marshal for the Yonkers St Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 21.

In the 150-year history of the Association, Martin becomes the first honoree ever selected who is not living in New York or directly connected to the Association there, a distinction that makes this year’s selection especially historic.

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In nominating Martin for the honour, President of the Association, Norbert Hennessy, reflected on his first year in office and the significance of the choice.

“As we embark on the second year of my Presidency of the Association, it has truly been my pleasure to serve during this past year,” he says.

“I thought because this year is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, what better year than this to choose someone outside of Tipperary, who can bridge the gap between the Atlantic and the States,” says Norbert Hennessy.

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“Our next major event is, of course, the New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade. At our January meeting, I proudly presented the name of an individual who truly embodies the spirit of Tipperary, Martin Quinn.”

Mr Hennessy describes Martin as a prominent Tipperary-based community activist from Bansha and a proud member of the Galtee Rovers GAA Club. He is a former officer of the West County GAA Board and has served as a respected referee.

In addition to his lifelong involvement in Gaelic games, Martin is also an accomplished author, having written two books: Tipperary People of Great Note and Tipperary Talks.

“With further research, I saw a picture of Martin presenting the Tipperary Peace Prize to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) (2001) after 9/11 - also pictured with Bill Clinton (2000)receiving his award, Secretary of State, John Kerry (2015), Senator Ted Kennedy Jean Kennedy (2008), George Mitchell (1999), Dr Richard Hass (2013) ,Martin Quinn was a clear candidate. His lifelong dedication to community, culture, and heritage makes him a most deserving Grand Marshal,” President Hennessy concludes.

For Martin Quinn, the news came as a complete surprise. “I was so shocked when I first heard the news — I was hugely surprised because it came completely out of the blue,” he says.

Reflecting on being the first Grand Marshal in the Association’s history without New York ties, he added: “It’s a huge honour. I think the reality of it is still taking time to sink in.”

The occasion will also mark Martin’s first visit to New York.
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“It will be a huge experience, and it’s going to be fantastic to represent Tipperary out there. I’ll do that with great honour and pride.”

Since the announcement, he has been deeply touched by the response from the public.

“I’m really blown away. I’ve received a huge number of messages from people wishing me well and congratulating me, even people stopping me on the street to offer their good wishes. That has been really touching. People saying they’re delighted for me and that it’s well deserved, it means a lot.”

A stroke survivor and tireless advocate, Martin Quinn has given more than 40 years of dedicated voluntary service to his community.

He served as National President of Muintir na Tíre from 2008 to 2011 and currently serves as Chair of the North Munster Citizens Information Service and Chair of the National Chairs Network for the Citizens Information Service.

In 2012, he was honoured by the Tipperary Association Dublin as “Tipperary Person of the Year.” At that time, then-President Liam Myles described Mr Quinn’s achievements as “most impressive and reflective of a lifetime of voluntary service.”

Martin’s commitment to volunteering began in childhood.

“Since I was young, I’ve always had the bug for volunteering,” he explains.

“I started out with my own GAA club in Bansha, with the Galtee Rovers, and over the years I’ve been involved in many different organisations.”

Whether inspired by the legacy of Canon Hayes in Bansha or through his leadership in national organisations, his motivation has always remained the same, he wanted to give back to his local community.

“I’ve always wanted to make a difference in my community over the years,” he says.

When asked what advice he would offer young people considering volunteering, Martin’s message was that more people should volunteer in their communities.

“There’s nothing better you can do than become involved in your community, whether at a small level in your local club or on a bigger scale. Community organisations need volunteers, and it’s vital to keep that community spirit alive. Young people should take up the opportunity to get involved. It’s a really important thing to be able to help your community in some way.”

As he prepares to lead the New York St Patrick’s Day Parade, Martin remains both humbled and grateful.

“I am completely thrilled and honoured to represent Tipperary in New York this year. I want to particularly thank Norbert Hennessy, who nominated me, and the County Tipperary Association for selecting me. I sincerely thank them.”

With humility, dedication, and a lifetime of service behind him, Martin Quinn will carry the spirit of Tipperary to New York this St Patrick’s Day.