New Seal To Be Unveiled For New York St. Patrick's Day Parade Sponsors

The New York St Patrick's Parade Committee will unveil a new seal design for Parade sponsors at a reception to be hosted by the Consul General of Ireland, Ambassador Niall Burgess on January 13 in honor the 2009 Parade's Grand Marshal Michael J. Gibbons.

The Parade Committee has created an official seal for its sponsors to use in their advertising, brochures and places of business.

The sponsorship seal will recognize their support of the oldest symbol of Irish faith, heritage and culture in New York City and the world.

"We want businesses, sponsors and advertisers to be recognized for their support of Irish heritage and culture and using our new official seal, will certainly do that for them, especially around the St. Patrick's Day Parade celebrations time period", said John Dunleavy, Parade chairman.

"All businesses and companies are looking for additional customers and with our seal in their advertizing; they will have a definite advantage in attaching more of the estimated 50 million Irish Americans in the U.S. market".

The seal is very unique and is in keeping with Irish traditional design.

It will be in the official color of Ireland and has symbolism of our Irish heritage and culture from Ireland and New York.

"Based on the feedback we have already, I think everyone will be happy when we finally unveil the finished product", said Hilary Beirne, Parade Secretary.

"It is a symbol that is uniquely American, yet Irish. The seal represents our ancient heritage and modern culture here in the United States and is one the entire American population of Irish descent can embrace and call their own."

"We hope it will become recognized as the symbol of Irish heritage and culture here in the United States, much like the six rings are recognized with the Olympics when used by their sponsors," Beirne said.

"March is Irish heritage month in the United States and a lot of businesses spend a lot of money attracting the Irish American customer, by having this seal in their marketing material and advertizing, I think they will be more successful."

The purchase of the seal by companies and business will financially support the parade and all inquiries to become a 2009 Saint Patrick's Day Parade sponsor will be welcomed by the Committee.