Rosemount native chosen as Grand Marshal of Seattle parade
A Rosemount native who became a leading figure in the Irish community in Seattle after moving there more than 45 years ago was selected, along with his wife Maureen, to be Grand Marshal of the US city's St Patrick's Day celebrations this year.
John Keane, whose brother Jimmy continues to reside in Rosemount, retired last year from his position as Ireland's Honorary Consul in Seattle after serving in the role for fourteen years.
In January he and his wife Maureen, who was born and raised in the US, received a letter from The Irish Heritage Club of Seattle inviting them to serve as Grand Marshals of the city's 2025 St Patrick's Day parade.
Their nominations for the honour were supported by the Irish Consulate in San Francisco and the Consul General of Ireland, Micheál Smith.
When contacted by the Westmeath Independent this week, John said their selection to lead the parade, and the Seattle Irish week celebrations, had been unexpected.
"My wife Maureen and I had a wonderful weekend celebrating St Patrick's Day and are enormously grateful for the unexpected honour of being asked to lead the Seattle Parade as Grand Marshals.
"Since we moved to Seattle in 1978, we have been blown away by the warmth and support of the area's Irish community, and by its kindness and generosity as shown in so many ways. Being asked to lead the Parade as Grand Marshals is just another example of that generosity," he said.
John and Maureen spoke at the Seattle Center following the parade where they were joined by family members including twin four-year-old grandchildren, Ruairí and Oisín, both of whom were kitted out in Westmeath GAA jerseys for the occasion!
The letter of invitation to serve as Grand Marshal stated that John's "unwavering dedication and leadership" had left "an indelible mark" on countless aspects of the Irish American community in Seattle.
"From being an instrumental member of the Irish Heritage Club since the 1980s, to founding and nurturing organisations like the Seattle Gaels and Irish Network Seattle, your efforts have brought Irish culture and heritage to life in the Pacific Northwest," stated the letter from Caron McMahon, president of the Irish Heritage Club of Seattle.
In listing some of his achievements in the Seattle community, the letter mentioned his role as Ireland's first Honorary Consul there, as well as his establishment of a 'Sister City' twinning link with Galway.
The letter went on to praise Maureen for her "selfless dedication to preserving Irish traditions" and her "unwavering support of John's efforts over the years".
It pointed out that, in addition to her "best selling health and nutrition books, (she has) had a lifelong association with Irish dance, earning certification as both a teacher and an adjudicator by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha."