Minister Ahern Praises Selection Of Tommy Smyth As New York Grand Marshal

Commenting on the selection of Tommy Smyth, Minister Ahern said: "This is a wonderful honour for Tommy, whom I have had the pleasure of meeting on a number of occasions. I was also present in New York in 2006 when he was honored with a Louthman of the Year award from his fellow countymen in the United States."

"Tommy is a wonderful and energetic individual. As an ESPN TV sport personality Tommy is recognized outside of the Irish community in America. He has never forgotten his Louth roots and, indeed, several members of his family still live in the county."

"I have no doubt the fact that the 247th St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York will be led by Tommy will lead to a greater number of Louth people visiting the Big Apple to sample the wonderful atmosphere and sense of occasion around the parade and festivities."

"Not alone is this a great honour for Tommy, his wife Treasa and children, Anthony and Lisa, but his brothers and sisters Sheila, Brendan, Harry, Marian and Patsy will be delighted with the news. This parade is one of the biggest in the world with upwards of 250,000 marchers watched by two million people."