Famous Footsteps

Mary Higgins Clark is the fourth in a line of influential women to lead the St. Patrick’s Day Parade as grand marshal. The three women who preceded her in the march up Fifth Avenue are known for their contributions to society through art, entertainment and their dedication to Irish culture.

Dorothy Hayden Cudahy

The all-male line of grand marshals was broken in 1989 when Dorothy Hayden Cudahy became the first woman to receive the honor. Known as the First Lady of Irish Radio, she was the host for 47 years of “Irish Memories,” a role she inherited from her father, James Hayden. Mrs. Cudahy was elected president of the County Kilkenny Association in 1984, the first woman and the first American-born person to hold the post. She was a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and many Irish organizations. She died in August.

Mary Holt Moore

Serving as the 230th grand marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day parade was Mary Holt Moore in 1991. Fluent in the Irish language, she is known for teaching Irish and strongly promoting its use. She also is known in the Irish community as a teacher of music, dance, history and literature. The mother of eight, she was a special education teacher in the Bronx. She served as president of the Bronx Gaelic League and was inducted into the North American Feis Commission’s Irish Cultural Hall of Fame. She has received many awards from Irish organizations.

Maureen O’Hara

The popular Irish-born actress known for her leading role in the Christmas classic “Miracle on 34th Street” was grand marshal in 1999. She’s also known for her performance with John Wayne in a favorite Irish-American movie, “The Quiet Man.” O’Hara acted alongside Wayne in four other films including “Rio Grande,” and made numerous other films during a long career. Also known for her singing voice, she recorded “Maureen O’Hara Sings Her Favorite Irish Songs.” She won a Tony Award in 1960 for her role in the Broadway musical “Christine.” Now retired, she lives mainly in her Ireland.