10 New Members Inducted into Philadelphia St. Patrick's Parade Ring of Honor

The prestigious honor recognizes commitment to the Irish community and culture in Philadelphia.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:48pm

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The Philadelphia St. Patrick's Parade Board has announced 10 new inductees into the prestigious Ring of Honor, which celebrates individuals who have shown a deep commitment to the Irish community and culture in the city. Among the honorees are musician John McGillian, dance school owner Eileen Coyle Henry, and retired CBS anchor Jim Donovan, all of whom have dedicated decades to preserving and promoting Irish heritage.

Why it matters

The Ring of Honor is one of the highest accolades bestowed by the Philadelphia St. Patrick's Parade, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to keeping Irish traditions alive in the city. As the parade celebrates its 2026 edition, these new inductees represent the next generation of Irish-American leaders and cultural ambassadors.

The details

The 10 new members of the Philadelphia St. Patrick's Parade Ring of Honor were selected for their longstanding involvement in the Irish community. John McGillian, originally from Upper Darby, has been playing traditional Irish music since he was 6 years old. Eileen Coyle Henry, from Flourtown, has operated a dance school that has taught hundreds of children the steps and footwork of Irish dance. Retired CBS anchor Jim Donovan has been a committed supporter of the parade for over 20 years, sharing his own family's Irish roots.

  • The 2026 Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
  • The 10 new members of the Ring of Honor were inducted on March 13, 2026, just days before the parade.

The players

Karen Boyce McCollum

President of the St. Patrick's Parade Board.

John McGillian

A musician from Upper Darby who has played traditional Irish music for decades.

Eileen Coyle Henry

The owner of a dance school in Flourtown that has taught hundreds of children Irish dancing.

Jim Donovan

A retired CBS Philadelphia anchor who has been a committed supporter of the Philadelphia St. Patrick's Parade for over 20 years.

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What they’re saying

“They show a great commitment to the Irish community in Philadelphia and a love of the Irish culture.”

— Karen Boyce McCollum, President of the St. Patrick's Parade Board (cbsnews.com)

“The house I grew up in, it was a house in America that should have been in Ireland.”

— John McGillian (cbsnews.com)

“She's like, we're taking the girls and we're going to let them learn how to do Irish dancing. And that's what they did. When Peg said to do something, most people did what Peg wanted them to do.”

— Eileen Coyle Henry (cbsnews.com)

“It's just absolutely a tremendous honor.”

— Jim Donovan, Retired CBS Philadelphia anchor (cbsnews.com)

“They came here with nothing. Nothing at all. And they built lives. For me to walk in their footsteps, it's absolutely amazing.”

— Jim Donovan, Retired CBS Philadelphia anchor (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The 10 new members of the Philadelphia St. Patrick's Parade Ring of Honor will be formally inducted during a ceremony on March 13, 2026, just days before the 2026 parade.

The takeaway

The Philadelphia St. Patrick's Parade Ring of Honor recognizes the tireless efforts of Irish-American community leaders who have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Ireland in the city. These new inductees represent the next generation of Irish-American trailblazers who will continue this important work.