Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III will lead the 41st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday in Pottsville.
Moylan was selected to serve as grand marshal by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, John F. Kennedy Div. 2, which sponsors the event.
According to a press release from the AOH, Moylan was chosen as grand marshal because of his dedication to his profession and his contribution to the Schuylkill County community.
“He has done an awful lot for the Irish community. Whenever we need anything he is there spearheading it,” Leo Haley, parade committee member, said.
Moylan is a member of the John F. Kennedy division and was previously recognized as the division’s Irishman of the Year in 1999.
“I’m truly honored by the selection,” Moylan said.
He said the parade has endured for more than 40 years because of the pride the Irish descendants in Schuylkill County have in their ancestry and the role the Irish community played in the labor movement in the coal region.
“Plus, it’s usually a very good time had by all,” Moylan said.
Moylan said he is planning to say a few words on Irish history including this year marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, a movement by Irish rebels to end British rule in Ireland and establish an independent republic.
Moylan is the founding medical director of the Schuylkill Cancer Treatment Center and Simon Kramer Cancer Institute. He has served on the board of directors of the Schuylkill Unit of the American Cancer Society since 1986 and was a recipient of the society’s Cancer Fighter Award.
He also founded the Anthracite Region Athletes Against Tumors, organized professional basketball and football teams in the county and is a member of the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts.
The parade will form at 10 a.m. on West Market Street between 12th and 14th streets. It will move at 11 a.m. heading east on Market Street to Second Street, then south on Second to Mahantongo Street, east on Mahantongo to Centre Street, north on Centre to Laurel Boulevard and west on Laurel to Third Street, where it will disband.
The day’s activities will begin at 8 a.m. with Mass at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo St.
The Grand Marshal’s Breakfast will follow at approximately 9 a.m. at Trippin’ Billie, 114 N. Centre St. During the breakfast, Moylan will be presented the grand marshal’s plaque. The breakfast is open to the public.
From noon to 4:30 p.m., Humane Fire Company will host the 37th annual Grand Irish Party. The celebration will feature music from Celtheart, an Irish band from New Jersey. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. They are available by contacting Murphy Jeweler, Humane Fire Company or any member of the AOH and LAOH. The cost of admission includes entertainment, food and drinks.
The official 2016 Grand Irish Party shirt is available at www.anthraciteapparel.com/store/pottsville-st-paddys-day-pitcher.