St. Patrick's parade grand marshal 2005 Maj. Gen. Joseph A Healey

      He retired from a military career with the rank of Major General. Healey was no less successful in the world of business, having had an outstanding career with the New York Telephone Company, where he held positions as general manager for Queens, director of economic development and general manager of public services.
      Along the way he furthered his education with graduate studies at the Brookings Institute and Harvard University. His contributions to New York were no less distinguished, serving as president of the New York Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross of Greater New York. He has also been a trustee of Molloy College, as well as taking leadership roles in the National Guard Association of the United States, the Militia Association of NY, and the 42nd Infantry Association. He served as Commissioner of the New York Base Redevelopment Corp. and as a Member of the Emergency Financial Control Board and the Mayor's Management Advisory Board.
      Proud of his Irish and Catholic heritage, Gen. Healey has also been active in the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Knights of Columbus. Today, while American troops fight for freedom in foreign lands, we can think of no better Grand Marshal to lead our Parade than our own Maj. General Joe Healey.

2005 St. Patrick's Day parade charitites

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund was formed to provide supplemental assistance to injured Marines and Sailors and their families, as they face the road to recovery. The fund, named for the U.S. Marines' motto, which means "always faithful," is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization based in Oceanside, California. With more than 174,000 active duty Marines and 37,000 Marine reservists serving our country in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, there is no more worthy national charity for our St. Patrick's Parade to support than the Semper Fi Fund.

The 69th Regiment Restoration Fund

The "Fighting 69th" New York Regiment, is one of the most famous units in American military history. From the Civil War, when it was made up mostly of Irish immigrants, through World War I, with its chaplain, the immortal "Fighting Father Duffy," through World War II in the Pacific, and down to the present day, the regiment, has been legendary in its courageous service to our country. The fund supports the creation of exhibits of regimental memorabilia at the 69th Regiment Armory.

The Galway Hospice Foundation

Our 2005 Irish charity, The Galway Hospice Foundation, provides palliative care in their homes to over 100 terminally ill patients in Galway city and county seven days a week. Since its founding in 1990, the association has provided home care and day care programs for more than 3,000 patients. The foundation is a registered charity receiving no public funding, and relies on the generosity of the people of Galway and many parts of the world to continue its vital services to those in need.