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Dignitaries

We have many dignitaries who are chosen annually and ride in the parade including Mr. Pat, Miss Shamrock, the Distinguished Irish Woman, the Grand Marshal, the Celebrity Grand Marshal, and the Honorary Irish Person.
We know the public is excited to see them and we thank them for generously donating their time!

2017 Dignitaries
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Mr. Pat: The king figure of the parade, Mr. Pat embodies the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day. Watch for him at our events. 
2017 Mr. Pat: Dan McQuillan

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Dan McQuillan is a lifelong resident of St. Paul, MN.  He and his wife Patty (Mahoney) have six children, Maria (Tim Kuzniar),  Patrick, Geoffrey, Kevin, James and Elizabeth.  Dan is the seventh child of eight born to Jim McQuillan and Michele Flanagan McQuillan.  His paternal side established a plumbing and heating company in the Cathedral Hill area of St. Paul in 1883.  His maternal grandfather started Central Pediatrics, whose doctors have cared for generations of children in St. Paul.  Dan is a member of Nativity of Our Lord Parish in St. Paul.

After graduating from Cretin High school in 1982 Dan earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1986 from the College of Saint Thomas.  Dan has owned and operated J.R. Macs and Plums Bar and Grill for over 25 years.  Dan has a long footbal coaching carreer of 27 years, including 4 years at UST and 23 years at Crtetin Derham Hall.

He can trace his Irish heritage in the Motherland back to County Antrim and County Cork.

 

Distinguished Irish Woman: The Distinguished Irish Woman is, of course, Irish. She has also done outstanding work in her field and in the community. Each year the Association recognizes a hard working Irish woman (is there any other kind?) from the community. 

2017 Distinguished Irish Woman: Patricia McLean

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Patricia McLean is CEO of Sue McLean & Associates, an independent concert promotions and event company headquartered in Minneapolis. Her beloved aunt, Sue McLean, passed away in 2013 and was well known for bringing live music to the Twin Cities for over 30 years. Patricia is loyal to her aunt’s legacy and unique business style. Both women sharing the Irish ‘gift to gab.’ SMA is known for live music events such as Music in the Zoo-celebrating 25 years, Live at the Hilde, exclusive talent buyer for the Cities 97 Basilica Block Party and many other concerts and events.

 

Patricia is a former Miss Shamrock Princess and Vice President of the St. Paul St. Patrick’s Day Association. Patricia’s community and charity involvement include: American Cancer Society-Coaches vs. Cancer, Hockey Day Minnesota and She Rock She Rock Camp for Girls. An organization that is close to her heart is the Northern Ireland Children’s Program student exchange.  The NICP student exchange program was launched in 1975 to help support reconciliation in Ireland between Protestants and Catholics.  This program forged long lasting Minnesota/Irish friendships and has evolved into a competitive golf exchange mirroring the Ryder Cup, called Mourns to Minnesota or ‘The Cider Cup.”  This past year the Irish team defeated the Americans therefore; the Cider Cup now resides in Ballynahinch, Ireland. Irish whiskey and Guinness may have been involved.

 
Grand Marshal: A guest of honor asked to lead the parade.
 
2017 Grand Marshal: Amy Klobuchar
 
Celebrity Grand Marshal: A celebrity guest of honor asked to lead the parade
2017 Celebrity Grand Marshal Dave Ryan
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Dave has hosted the morning show on 101.3 KDWB since 1993. He is an avid snowboarder, dog lover, motorcycle rider, pilot, and author of the book, "Take a Shower, Show Up on Time, and Don't Steal Anything."  He loves the Twin Cities and plans to stay here as long as he is able to shovel snow! A father of four, he lives in Chanhassan with his wife Susan.
 
 
Honorary Irishman: Saint Pat's Day may be an Irish holiday, but it's a day for all cultures to enjoy. Each year the Association names a non-Irish member of the community as its Honorary Irishman. While this person is not necessarily Irish, he embodies the spirit and character of the Irish and the holiday.
 
2017 Honorary Irishman:  Tim Tschida MLB Umpire     
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