4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Limerick honours one of its own with Mayoral reception for leading NYC St Patrick's Day Parade
The ceremony celebrates Mr Benn's incredible story from proud Limerick roots to his leadership in one of the world's most iconic Irish-American events.
The reception is the third of its kind this year, following two sports-related Mayoral Receptions earlier in 2025.
Born in Limerick city in 1948 and a former student of CBS Sexton Street, the same school attended by Mayor Moran, Michael Benn emigrated to the United States at age 14.
He continued his education in New York and received an accounting degree from Mercy College, paving the way for a diverse career in civic leadership and business management.
He also served in the US Army from 1969 to 1972, achieving the rank of sergeant.
He served as president and chairman of the Queens County St Patrick's Day Parade in Rockaway Beach, and in March 2025, he led the 264th New York City St Patrick's Day Parade as Grand Marshal.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Moran said: 'It's an absolute privilege to have welcomed Michael Benn and his family here to City Hall in the city of his youth, and to be able to recognise everything Michael has done to keep our Irish heritage alive and thriving in his new home of New York. His journey has been nothing short of incredible. Limerick is lucky to call him one of our own!'
Mr Benn added: 'This city, and Ireland as a whole, will always be home, no matter where life takes me and my family. The journey has been incredible, but the heart of it all has always been community. I'm beyond grateful for this recognition and excited for all that's ahead!'
