Reception for Limerick man who led New York City St Patrick's Day parade

THE LIMERICK man who led the largest St Patrick's Day parade in the world has been honoured in his home city.

Mayor John Moran hosted a mayoral reception for Michael Benn, the grand marshal of the 2025 New York City St Patrick's Day parade.

Born in Limerick in 1948, Michael Benn attended CBS Sexton Street – the same school the current mayor would later attend.

He was aged just 14 when he emigrated with his family to USA.

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Here, continued his education in New York at Cardinal Hayes High School and later earned an accounting degree from Mercy College, paving the way for a career in civic leadership and business management.

He also served as a sergeant in the US Army between 1969 and 1972.

Mr Benn served as president and chairman of the Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Rockaway Beach, one of New York City’s major celebrations of Irish heritage.

And he was appointed as the grand marshal of the 264th New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade in March this year.

Mayor Moran said: "It’s an absolute privilege to have welcomed Michael Benn and his family here to City Hall in the city of his youth, and to be able to recognise everything Michael has done to keep our Irish heritage alive and thriving in his new home of New York. Michael has been an inspiration not just to those in New York but to all of us here at home in Limerick, both with his leadership through community events and in his dedication to bringing people together through business and leisure. His work reminds us how strong the ties between Limerick and our global family really are. Michael’s journey has been nothing short of incredible. Limerick is lucky to call him one of our own!”

Mr Benn added: "This city - and Ireland as a whole - will always be home, no matter where life takes me and my family. Seeing familiar faces and feeling the energy of this incredible place, it’s truly something special. The journey has been incredible, but the heart of it all has always been community. I’m beyond grateful for this recognition and excited for all that’s ahead!"