Note from Dan Devinney

For many years now individuals outside the Irish community have been holding so called St. Patrick's Day Celebrations functions in and around our parade then have given those who wish to slander the Irish an opportunity to do so. As you know the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and the City of Pittsburgh have made an effort this year to control this situation and return the family friendly atmosphere along the parade route. Some members in the news media have even tried to use this effort against us by creating the appearance that the City has had enough and is trying to rein in the Irish. Apparently while it is politically incorrect and in some cases illegal to attack certain groups it is still OK to slander the Irish.

I hesitated to send out a communication concerning this issue until recently when I heard a rumor that certain news media groups were sending out crews along the parade route in an effort to capture photographs that could once again be used to attacked the Irish. Apparently they plan to belittle our efforts to eliminate the anything goes atmosphere that others have tried to inject into our parade. It is impossible for me to determine whether or not this rumor is true.

However, I would hate to see them use a member of our order who was harmlessly sipping on a beer watching the parade as their poster child to say "See it was all just a smokescreen they really didn't mean it". Anyone who knows me knows I love to have a good time and I do not mean to take the fun out of the day I only ask that we honor the requests of the Parade Chairman and our own Brother, Jim Green.

Have a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day.

Daniel P. Devinney
President, AOH Allegheny County Board

2700 Smallman Street, Suite 200
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4720
Telephone: (412) 338-2711
Telefax: (412) 338-9965
www.kcdlawfirm.com