Cleveland Honors Three Women as 2026 St. Patrick's Day Parade Honorees

Maire O'Leary Manning, Midge Gannon, and Donna Leary recognized for decades of dedication to the city's Irish community

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:07pm

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The annual Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade is honoring three local women - Maire O'Leary Manning, Midge Gannon, and Donna Leary - for their lifelong commitment to preserving Irish heritage and giving back to the community. The three women have been involved with Irish organizations like the Ancient Order of Hibernians for decades, organizing charitable activities, promoting Irish history, and participating in traditional Irish dance.

Why it matters

The Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the largest celebrations of Irish culture in the country, dating back to 1842. Honoring these three women who have dedicated so much of their lives to the local Irish community helps preserve and showcase the city's rich Irish heritage.

The details

Maire O'Leary Manning was named the Hibernian of the Year, recognized for her decades of involvement with the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Midge Gannon was named the Irish Mother of the Year for her work running the library at the West Side Irish American Club and her family's deep ties to the community. Donna Leary was honored as the Parade Co-Chair. The three women have known each other since grade school and have reconnected over the years through various Irish organizations and activities.

  • The Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade takes place annually in March.
  • The 2026 parade honored the three women on March 16, 2026.

The players

Maire O'Leary Manning

Honored as the Hibernian of the Year for her decades of involvement with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, one of the largest Irish Catholic organizations in the country.

Midge Gannon

Named the Irish Mother of the Year for her work running the library at the West Side Irish American Club and her family's deep ties to the Cleveland Irish community.

Donna Leary

Recognized as the Parade Co-Chair for her contributions to the annual Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade.

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What they’re saying

“I'm honored. It really is an honor.”

— Maire O'Leary Manning (WKYC)

“We do a lot of charitable activities. We promote the history of Ireland and we promote the history of the United States of America. So we are proud to be Irish and American and Catholic.”

— Maire O'Leary Manning (WKYC)

“They didn't tell me until just before they read my bio. It was shocking!”

— Midge Gannon (WKYC)

What’s next

The 2026 Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on March 17, 2026, continuing the city's long-standing tradition of celebrating Irish heritage.

The takeaway

The recognition of these three women who have dedicated decades to preserving and promoting Cleveland's Irish community highlights the enduring importance of cultural traditions and the power of grassroots community involvement to keep them alive.