Sandy McGugan Named Grand Marshal of the Mystic Irish Parade

As the Irish say, “May your home always be too small to hold all of your friends!” The close knit community of Eastern CT will fill the streets of Mystic on March 22, 2015 with friends and family in celebration of the one and only annual Mystic Irish Parade, one of Connecticut’s most renowned Celtic cultural events. As a keystone in family entertainment and an event for all ages, the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation celebrates a successful twelve years and look forward to many more to come.

In special commemoration of year twelve, the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation is honored to have Sandy McGugan, owner of Gwenmor Marina and longtime resident of Mystic, serve as the Grand Marshal of for the 2015 Mystic Irish Parade. This honor is bestowed to an outstanding member of Eastern Connecticut who dedicates time and energy into giving back to the local community each day.

Sandy McGugan, formally announced as the Grand Marshal of the Mystic Irish Parade on January 18th, 2015, has resided in the beautiful town of Mystic for a lifetime. His grandfather journeyed to North America from Ireland when he was 17 years old and settled down in New London, CT. His mother frequently joked about coming over on the Mayflower, but research by McGugan’s daughter later proved that some of his family did in fact travel on the infamous ship. His mother, Gwendolyn Morgan, went to college in CT and was a teacher at the Butler School in Groton, CT.

“I’m truly honored to be the 2015 Grand Marshal of the Mystic Irish Parade. I am humbled that they chose me to do this. Hopefully whatever I have to do in this role, I’ll do right,” says McGugan. “His love of Mystic and commitment to family and community is inspiring and the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation is honored to have him serve as the 2015 Grand Marshal.”

“I’ve known the McGugan family for over twenty years. Sandy has been a pillar of the Greater Mystic community and I’m honored that he’s been chosen for this year” says Neil Ryan, Vice President of the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation. “A sincere thank you to Mr. Sandy McGugan for serving as the Grand Marshal and supporting this year’s Mystic Irish Parade!”

McGugan is a Stonington High School alumni and later served his country in the United States Army. After his service, he worked with his father who was a marine contractor in Mystic. The company, named after his mother, is Gwenmor Marine Contracting and Gwenmor Marina. Both businesses are currently managed and operated by McGugan’s three sons, Christian, Andy and Keith (who was born on St. Patrick’s Day!).

In addition to his three sons, Sandy McGugan and his wife Marguerite, have five daughters who all currently reside in the Mystic area. The McGugan’s are proud parents, as well as grandparents of 41 grandchildren. “You can say our house gets pretty crazy during Christmas!”

McGugan is a dedicated family man and community leader. He is passionate about supporting local sports, fitness and health initiatives including the athletic departments of schools as well as the Mystic YMCA. “Because of the kids, who all played a sport, I became invested in the athletic community. My daughter, Vianna, was the first person to win the CT State Championship as both a player and again as the coach for girl’s basketball for Stonington High School. Sports promote dedication, teamwork and passion.”

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Photo attached: (l-r) Neil Ryan, Tom Taber, Laura Capshaw, Sandy McGugan, Leo Roche and Tom Taber of the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation

Neil Ryan

Vice President, Mystic Irish Parade

860.608.4901

neilryan@snet.net