EAST DURHAM — I was recently talking with Michael O'Connor, the President of the East Durham Parade Committee,  He informed me that their 3rd annual East Durham St. Patrick's Day Parade grand marshal this year is Jeanne Meade Farrell. Jeanne was born in the Bronx and grew up in Woodside. Her family used to spend their summer vacations in Leeds, sometimes they would stay for the whole summer. Jeanne Hiked the woods and swam in the Catskill creek during these vacations. Her Mom was a champion Irish Step Dancer and Jeanne became interested in dancing herself. She was told about a gentleman named Michael Farrell who taught dancing in East Durham. One night she went to the Shamrock House to find out what it was all about. Little did she know how this night would change her life, when she met Michael it was love at first sight. They married in 1994, and Jeanne started a vendor business for Irish dance supplies. She and Michael traveled all over the country to different dance competitions for years. 

Sadly Michael passed away just a couple of years ago, right after celebrating 50 years as an Irish Dance School. 

Jeanne and Michael were 2 of the first people to show interest in The East Durham Parade Committee, when Michael O'Connor was putting it all together. 

It was Michael's idea to have a Miss Shamrock contest, and Jeanne is still on the committee to this day.

On February 28th at the Shamrock House,  the parade committee will be having a dinner dance, where they will be honoring Jeanne, and pass the sash to her for the 2026 Parade. The winners of the Miss Shamrock, Little Miss Shamrock, and Master Shamrock contest will also get their sashes that night. Everyone is Welcome and the dinner is only $65 per person. This is always a great night out and this is the best way to help support the parade! Come out to the dinner dance ! Book your seat now, as there are limited seats still available! Music is by the Diddley Idols Dave Barckow and Friends. One of the best in the business. 

Till next time, I am Your Bro LJ James and I will see you around the Mountain!!!