Salt Lake attorney and University of Utah adjunct professor Patrick Shea will be grand marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 11.
The Hibernian Society of Utah selected Shea, unsuccessful 1994 Senate candidate for the Democratic Party, because of his strong Irish heritage and contributions to the community.He will lead the parade down Main Street, heading south from South Temple, starting at 10 a.m. The popular event will feature more than 125 entries.
The Hibernian Society of Utah also has named Kathleen McMahon its "Hibernian of the Year."
One of the first members of the 17-year-old Hibernian Society, McMahon has served as the group's secretary and as chairwoman of several events. For years she has overseen the annual "A Night With the Irish Poets."
The society bestows the honor to one of its members who has made outstanding contributions to the organization and to the community. This year, McMahon is working with the Hibernian Society committee organizing the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Other St. Patrick's Day events planned include the following:
Leprechaun Lope will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, at the south side of the Capitol. Early registration for the four-mile run and 1.3-mile walk is $10. Race-day registration is $13. Call Our Lady of Lourdes School for information, 364-5624.
A "Siamsa," or Irish celebration, will follow Saturday's parade at 11 a.m. at the Hellenic Center, 300 South and 300 West. Cost is $5 for adults; children under 12 get in free. The second annual event will feature traditional Irish food, music by Idlewild and step dancing.
Readings of Irish poetry will take place Wednesday, March 15, at the Art Barn, 54 S. Finch Lane (1340 East), at 7:30 p.m. The event is free.
A Grand Ball on March 17 will feature dinner and dancing for $65 a couple at the Red Lion Hotel, 255 S. West Temple. The social will begin at 6:30 p.m., with dinner at 7:30 and dancing at 9. Call Linda Green, 483-1750, or Cathy Rodman, 583-9639, for more information.
A free concert will be March 17 at 8 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 E. South Temple. The Gonzaga University A Capella Choir will sing choral music and contemporary spirituals.