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Honoring Paul Doris as Grand Marshal of the 246th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
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WHEREAS, Paul Doris was born and raised in Coalisland County Tyrone, where he first experienced religious discrimination and injustice. The political upheaval in Northern Ireland also had a profound impact on his life. Paul turned to Gaelic football as an escape to the troubles in his homeland; and
WHEREAS, Paul endured the anguish of several family tragedies over the course of the next few years. So when offered the opportunity to play Gaelic football in Philadelphia in 1974, Paul jumped at the chance and immigrated to the United States; and
WHEREAS, Two short years later, Paul met and married the love of his life, Rosemary. Together they have two children, Deirdre and Brendan and five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Paul was an active member of Teamsters Local 115 for 32 years, rising through the ranks and becoming shop steward until his retirement in 2011; and
WHEREAS, Paul’s love of Gaelic football has never waned. Paul is a founding member of the Shamrocks football team and has been active in the GAA since he arrived in Philadelphia. He also owns the distinction of being the only referee from Philadelphia to officiate the North American Football Final; and
WHEREAS, Paul also played a prominent role in the establishment and progressive agenda of the Federation of Irish Societies in an effort to ensure the Irish Community in Philadelphia was united in their opposition to British injustice in Ireland; and
WHEREAS, As a member of Irish Northern Aid, Paul is still active in marches, protests and fundraising for this cause and has served as the National President of INA. Paul has been honored in both the United States and Ireland for his years of service in the pursuit of Irish Freedom; and
WHEREAS, In addition to recognizing Paul’s distinction of serving as Grand Marshal of this parade, the Ring of Honor this year will also include Matt Regan, Kevin McGillian, Siobhan Trainor, James McPaul, Eileen Daly, Pearse Kerr, Gerry McHale, Frances Duffy and Pat Bonner; and
WHEREAS, The 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade will recognize the sacrifice of those who took part in one of Ireland’s most historic events, the 1916 Easter Uprising. The Irish diaspora in Philadelphia provided political, moral and financial support for the Uprising, so it is fitting that, in the very city that our own Declaration of Independence was signed, the Saint Patrick’s Day Observance Association pay homage to those who declared Ireland’s independence from British rule on Easter Monday, April 24th, 1916; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and congratulate Paul Doris as Grand Marshal of the 246th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Paul Doris, further evidencing the grateful appreciation and deep admiration of this legislative body.
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