Copied from the 1989 Parade Journal:
John Sweeney, Grand Marshal, 1989 Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The ‘Spirit of the Irish’ is exemplified on this first Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the city of Glen Cove by John Sweeney, one of the community’s proud Irishmen who lead today’s gala salute to the patron Saint of Ireland.
Glen Cove’s AOH Division 8, under the capable direction of Michael Moran, are sponsors of today’s colorful presentation of Irish culture on Long Island’s North Shore.
John, a former Postmaster of Glen Cove and past president of Division 8, is also founder of the North Shore American/Irish Cultural Society, one of Long Island’s most active groups in promoting Irish culture and “Keeping the Spirit Alive”.
Our Grand Marshall also serves as Trustee on the local library board and his ‘roots’ originate in Counties Tipperary and Kerry.
John and his wife Teresa are long-time residents of Glen Cove and are active parishioners at Saint Patrick’s where our worthy Grand Marshal serves as an Extraordinary Minister. The Sweeney’s often visit Charleston, South Carolina, where John is a member of the local Hibernian Society (not affiliated with the AOH). This organization maintains historical Irish records dating back over one hundred years.
On this glorious, historical day for Glen Cove, the parade committee salutes John and joins with him in extending a warm welcome to our distinguished guests, marchers, friends and visitors from the surrounding communities.
May we continue to “Keep the Spirit Alive” for many years to come in Glen Cove by establishing the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade as an annual tradition and maintaining the principles of Friendship, Unity and Charity that is always associated with today’s Grand Marshall, John Sweeney.
