South Side Irish Parade Announces Grand Marshal

While Chicago continues to dig out from the winter storm, Irish eyes have turned toward spring, with preparations for the South Side Irish Parade in full swing.

The South Side Irish Parade Committee Wednesday publicly announced the 2015 Grand Marshal the, Irish-American Labor Council (IALC), a committee of the AFL-CIO, focused on improving and promoting social and community welfare. The council also participates in issues of importance to Irish immigrants in Chicago.

“Irish labor has played a crucial role in building our city and neighborhood,” said Tom McGourty, Chairman of the South Side Irish Parade. “The Irish American Labor Council is dedicated to not only building our community but also gives generously to numerous charities including Mercy Home for Boys & Girls,” added McGourty.

The IALC was founded in New York in 1987. The Chicago chapter was formed in 1995 with the goal of raising funds to erect a monument in Chicago’s Union Park to honor Irish labor leader James Connolly. The completed statue was dedicated in 2008. The IALC honors individuals who work for and on behalf of organized labor at their annual James Connolly Dinner. Each honoree has their named added to the statue in Union Park. This year’s dinner is scheduled for May 13, 2015.

International unions and district councils with locals who are part of the Irish-American Labor Council include Boilermakers, Bricklayers, Carpenters, Cement Masons, Chicago Building Trades, Carpenters, IBEW, Ironworkers, Laborers, Machinists, Operating Engineers, Pipefitters, Plumbers, Roofers, Sheet Metal Workers, Teamsters and many more. Additionally many civic individuals and professional groups support the IALC.

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (CPMF) will serve as this year’s parade Honoree. The not-for-profit organization is dedicated to honoring the lives of our fallen heroes. The foundation provides support and assistance to the families of Chicago police officers who are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.

“We are grateful to have the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation as our Honoree this year,” added McGourty. “They do an incredible job of supporting and honoring the families of police officers, including several right in our own community. We are thrilled to be able to repay that honor by featuring them in our parade.”

The CPMF is currently raising money for the “Get Behind The Vest” initiative. Their goal is to ensure a properly working bulletproof vests protects every Chicago police officer. Officers are given a vest when they begin on the department but are responsible for paying a portion of the cost for a replacement vest. The foundation is aiming to raise money to replace the 8,000 outdated vests in use by Chicago police officers.

“A vest isn’t bulletproof forever, it wears out and breaks down,” said John Gordon of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. “Vests need to be replaced every five years and we are making it our goal to make sure every officer who protects you, is protected,” added Gordon. You can learn more about the “Get Behind The Vest” initiative by visiting here.

The 2015 South Side Irish Parade will step off at Noon on Sunday, March 15 at 103rd Street and Western Avenue. Despite below freezing temperature, the 2014 parade featured 100 entries and attracted more than 125,000 spectators. The zero tolerance alcohol policy will remain in strict force to ensure a continued safe, family-friendly celebration of community and Irish heritage.