GARY BYRNE 2026, Grand Marshal,

Eastchester St. Patrick's Day Parade Arriving from Ireland in the mid 90's; in pursuit of the American Dream, Gary brought with him a lifelong passion for hospitality shaped by his family's hotel business and its legendary dancehall, the Baymount and Silver Slipper in Sligo, one of the West of Ireland's most popular gathering places. After studying Hospitality Management in Dublin and gaining experience in some of the city's finest hotels, he set his sights on New York City - a move that launched a remarkable 30-year career with Marriott International. Throughout his tenure with Marriott, Gary has held numerous leadership roles and proudly served on the task force that opened the very first Marriott Hotel in Ireland at the iconic Druids Glen Golf Course. 

His career continued to flourish in New York, where he became known for his commitment to service, team development, and community engagement. For the past seven years, he has served as the General Manager of the SpringHill Suites Marriott Hotel in Tuckahoe, NY, (which is owned by a local businessman and operated by Concord Hospitality Enterprises out of Raleigh North Carolina). Outside of hospitality, Gary has always nurtured a love for radio production. From 2002 to 2006, he hosted the "Radio Erin" Irish music and chat show on 1460AM and 93.5FM, broadcasting out of New Rochelle and connecting listeners to the music, culture, and stories of home. 

Gary is a huge fan of the Irish Rugby and Soccer teams and enjoys a good walk spoiled, "Golf" Gary is recognized as a resolute community member who never hesitates to give his time to others. Guided by his personal motto, "Not one of us is perfect, but if we look for the best in others, the world will be a better place," Gary continues to lead with heart, optimism, and an unwavering belief in the good of people. Gary is married to Julie, they live in Eastchester NY and together they are raising two children - Megan, age 10, and Connor, age 8 who attend local public schools. And as a proud Irishman and naturalized US Citizen, he is delighted to raise the Irish Colors as Grand Marshal at the 2026 Eastchester Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

ANNMARIE MULHERN-FLANNERY 2026 Honoree,

Eastchester St. Patrick's Day Parade Annmarie is the second of 4 children born to Kathleen (nee Murphy) and John Mulhern. Kathleen immigrated from County Clare to the US alone at the age of 16 and first settled in Detroit before relocating to the Bronx, where she met Annmarie's father, John. John was the 4th child of Irish immigrants Annie (nee O'Donnell) and Patrick, who arrived in the Bronx separately in the early 1920s from a remote part (is there any other?) of County Donegal. Annmarie was raised in Little Neck/Douglaston on the outskirts of Queens and went to St. Anastasia and St. Mary's Manhasset for elementary and HS respectively. 

Inspired by her family's values for education (her Dad graduated from NYU), she holds a BBA from CUNY Bernard M. Baruch, a BSN from Pace University, and a Master's in Healthcare Administration (Nurse Executive cohort) from Columbia University, where she was taught to "make a dent in the universe." In the time-honored Irish tradition, Annmarie has worked since the age of 9, when she had her own summer business for a few years, began babysitting at age 10, worked at the Rectory from age 13-18, and waitressed to pay college tuition. Annmarie worked at DDB Needham Advertising on Madison Avenue and in International Security before deciding to return to school to become an RN so that she could help people when they need it most. 

Annmarie has held various positions in her 30 years of nursing, from Hospice RN to Oncology Administrative Manager to Oncology Outpatient Director & Program Director. Having overcome the challenges of management during and after COVID, she has stepped back from leadership and is now on the front lines as an RN Case Manager at White Plains Hospital, where she feels that she "makes a dent" every day in the lives of others. Annmarie's most proud accomplishment is her 3 sons, Jack, Jimmy, and David, who are truly the loves of her life and give life its meaning. Most of Annmarie's happiest life moments have been spent with her sons, at home, in New Hampshire, and at Cape May (Maggie Stapes!). Annmarie is also grateful for her sister, Maureen, who inspired her to become a nurse and continues to inspire her every day with her resilience in the face of adversity. 

Annmarie is grateful for her friends and her extended family of cousins spread throughout the US and Ireland. Annmarie has lived in Eastchester for the past 25 years (Tuckahoe Avenue forever!), and has been a proud member of the EIASC for those 25 years. Annmarie has volunteered at the Eastchester Schools and was the President of the Eastchester Historical Society for 5 years. She has served on the EIASC Board as Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Vice President, and volunteered at numerous events through the years (Halloween Party Chair, "Gala Girl," etc). Annmarie is also an active member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 19 Woodlawn/Yonkers. Annmarie is a proud Irish American and is looking forward to marching along the green line this year!