Grand Marshal

Our former Irish American of the Year in 1994, philanthropist Bill Flynn in being honored this year as the Grand Marshal of the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade. 

The Chairman of the Board of the billion dollar insurance company, Mutual of America, Bill Flynn is widely known for his role in promoting peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, for his efforts in global conflict resolution, and for his courageous contributions in any arena where he feels he can make a difference. 

Flynn was described by one organization as a Jesuit-educated insurance man from Long Island who became the architect of a truce that escaped some of the best diplomatic minds of the last three decades. 

As chairman of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, Flynn was instrumental in the decision of President Bill Clinton to grant a visa to Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams. He also sponsored trips to the U.S. by leading loyalists, and has led two delegations to Northern Ireland to push for economic investment and peace in the region. 

Affiliated with numerous charities, Bill Flynn is chairman of the Irish Chamber of Commerce in the U.S., and serves on the boards of Co-operation Ireland and the Irish American Partnership. He was recently installed as the U.S. head of the Knights of Malta. 

Flynn, whose parents hail from Counties Mayo and Down, and who lives in Long Island, New York, with his wife, Peggy, was delighted to be chosen as Grand Marshal. “It’s my hope that the parade will coincide with the spirit which is growing for peace and reconciliation in the North of Ireland,” he said. “It’s an honor and privilege and pleasure beyond any expectation I ever had,” he added.