Cavanaugh Patriarch Plans Quiet St. Patrick's Day

The patriarch of Cavanaugh Clan——will spend the feast day of Ireland's patron saint quietly.

Soft spoken Harry Cavanaugh, 87, of Royal Oak says like most years, he’ll just stay home for the Irish holiday—thank you.

If the Cavanaugh Clan has a lot of spirit it’s likely from a sense of heritage. Cavanaugh’s grandparents Lott and Bridget Cavanaugh settled in Royal Oak 112 years ago. They had seven children.

Since that time, the Irish family continues to call Royal Oak home. Cavanaugh, a retired Royal Oak postal worker, and wife Mary Ellen met at Royal Oak High School, were married in 1949, and they, too, have seven children.

“Our kids all live in Royal Oak or surrounding communities,” Cavanaugh said. “We have 27 grandchildren and 14 great children.”

Most of the clan walked in the parade along with the Guirey, Clancy, Hannigan and Hennessey clans. Cavanaugh because of his patriarch status got to ride in a car.