Pat Shingleton, Founder and Parade Coordinator, Grey Hammett announced today, “It is with great pleasure that we have finalized the designation of the Grand Marshall for The 2008 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, The Wearin’ of the Green.” “Leading the parade that will consist of 13 marching bands, three pipe bands and 75 floats will be our Grand Marshall Matt Flynn. Matt is the quarterback of the 2007 NCAA National Football Champion LSU Tigers. Matt graduated in December, 2007 from LSU with SEC honors and is presently in preparation for consideration with the National Football League.
During his career at LSU, Matt was recognized as the Offensive MVP for the 2005 Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl and the Offensive Most Valuable Player for BCS Championship Game. He completed his career at LSU with impressive statistics that place him eighth in passing yardage and fourth in touchdown passes for a single season.
Matt was born and raised in Tyler, Texas, the son of Al and Ruth Flynn.
Matt was selected as Grand Marshall at a meeting held at the Killeen House in Killarney, Ireland, last September. In attendance were previous Grand Marshalls: Mike Rosney, Harry Morel, Jr., Thomas “Junior” Finnegan, Ivar Quigley, and Denis Coffee. Also assisting in the selection process was Mick Hickey, President of Hickey Industrial Waste Company of Portmarnock, across Hoath Bay, northeast of Dublin. Non-voting representatives from America included: Paddy Quigley, Crews LeBlanc, and the Mockler Brothers, Tim and Pat. “Even though their votes were not recognized, there were attempts in understanding what they said”, noted quick speaking local linguist, Tim O’Brien.
The Flynn family is well known throughout the Emerald Isle as their heritage is recognized in Knocknagoshel, Abbeyfeale and Duwa. It was previously thought that “Publican” and former Grand Marshall, Mike Rosney authored and published that famous Irish ditty, “Cats on the Rooftop” heard everyday in pubs through Ireland. It has now been verified by Con Horgan that the Flynn’s of Knocknagoshel penned it. As mentioned, even though the Flynn’s hail from Waterville in West County Kerry, along with Mike Rosney they have always wanted to be known as a “Buffo”, referring to their desired allegiance to County Offaly
“I believe that Matt Flynn represents the great traditions of the Baton Rouge parade as we are delighted to have him participate, at the expense of Mike Rosney, as our guest in the annual Killarney Golf and Fishing Club’s Member-Guest Golf Tournament,” mentioned former Grand Marshall Junior Finnegan. Finnegan furthered, “Maybe he’ll buy us a jar of the brown beer once in awhile…” Harry Morel, Jr., the Grand Marshall in 2006 responded, “I had the pleasure of counting the votes that day and numerous candidates were in consideration as the Grand Marshall, it was unanimous that Matt lead our parade.” Crews LeBlanc noted later that evening from the pub, The Golden Noojay, “With LSU as the National Champions… I had hoped we would have selected Glenn O’Dorsey, however a “Crews” would have been excellent.” Crews was attempting to organize a “St. Crews Day Parade.” There was tremendous support from 2004 Grand Marshall Denis Coffey who responded, “ We understand that Matt will be coming to Ireland to participate in the Fishing Tournament in the upper lakes with Kevin Kimble and note his connections to the Langers from Cork.” He continued, “Of course, we recognize his sister Belinda Flynn and for what she did out the window. Belinda done extremely well with her sombrero stores scattered all over the United States.”
The Parade Group, LLC, The Irish Club of Baton Rouge and The Baton Rouge Chapter of The Ancient Order of the Hibernians are grateful to have Matt Flynn leading “The Wearin’ of the Green.”
Parade will roll sharply at 10 am March 15 beginning at the corner of Hundred Oaks and South Acadian Thruway in Baton Rouge, LA (USA).
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Contributor's Note
Parade Line 225-925-8295
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