2026 Parade Theme: Celebrating 250 Years of Irish American Contributions
2026 Hibernian of the Year
Maire O’Leary Manning
Maire is the first born of nine children of Mary Celine McNamara O’Leary and Alphonsus O’Leary. Both Al and Mary Celine have been dedicated Hibernians for over 70 years and instilled a love of faith, Ireland, and America in their children.
Maire’s mother served as President of Division 2 but Maire became a Hibernian through her cousin Marilyn Madigan. She was installed in 1987 and served in many Division and County offices, sometimes simultaneously, including Division President. Maire headed many committees and events including the Easter Egg Hunt for over 25 years. It continues to be one of the Divisions favorite events. She and several members and friends worked at Browns Stadium for six years to raise money for Hibernian charities.
Maire has served in most offices on the Ohio State Board, including 2015-2017 Ohio LAOH State President and comprised a data base as Ohio State Treasurer when electronic records were required.
She served as the Degree Team Committee Chair at the 2008 National Convention in New Orleans with Maire Leffel. They became Co-Directors when Sheila Murphy Crawford and Joan Cavanaugh were unable to continue. Maire was a member for 10 years before serving as Co-Director for more than 15 years. She remains a dedicated team member but has stepped aside as an officer.
Maire has been teaching Irish dance most of her life but became certified in 1987. She was blessed to have many wonderful teachers. She taught dancers through the Cleveland Gaelic Society and the O’Leary-Manning School who competed in competitions in the US and Ireland. She teaches ceili dance at the West Side Irish American Club and assists with the ceilis held. She was a past officer at IDTAMA. Maire served as an officer of the Cleveland Associated Irish Clubs, the Gaelic Society and was honored as Queen Deirdre in 1975. She is a representative for the UIS and was named Co-Chair in 2015.
Maire was a founding member and officer of the Cleveland Emerald Camogie Club and served as officer on the Midwest Camogie Board. She served as the first National Secretary of the North American Camogie Board and was later named an Honorary President. She is a member of the Comhaltas, IACES, and a lifelong member of the WSIA. She has marched in the WSIA Drill Team for over 35 years.
An avid gardener, Maire has her own garden and is on the maintenance committee of the Irish Cultural Gardens on MLK Boulevard. She also volunteers at the WSIAC gardens and Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens. She is a dedicated volunteer at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Maire attended SVDP grade school and St. Joseph Academy. Maire has been a member of St. Clements parish for over 40 years. She previously worked for the City of Cleveland Public Utilities Commission. Maire was married to Richard Manning (deceased) and has a daughter Maureen. Maureen is a member of the LAOH and has completed in Irish Dance and marched in the WSIA majorettes, pompoms and WSIA Ladies Drill Team.
Maires dedication to our Order and Community is instilled in her and is shared by her. She is an inspiration to our motto. Cairdas, Aontcht agus Criostin Charthanacht
Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity.
2026 Grand Marshal
Thomas J. Mackin
Thomas J. Mackin is the son of Thomas of Clonbur, Galway and Mary Coletta Dever Mackin, whose family comes from Achill, Mayo. Tom along with his siblings Mary Schriner and the late James participated with the West Side Irish Club’s Marching Units.
Tom is married to Bridget McNamara Mackin. They are the proud parents of seven; Thomas, Daniel, Caitlin, Bridget, Colleen, Patrick and Erin. They have three Grandchildren: Thomas, Daniel and Maeve with a fourth due in February.
Tom attended St. Edward High School, Lakeland Community College and Baldwin Wallace. He had a wonderful career as a Paramedic working in Cleveland EMS, Lakewood Fire as a Paramedic Supervisor. Although retired as a Paramedic, he is busy as a realtor and a driver with American Limousine.
Tom is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the West Side Irish American Club. He was a member of the Colonial Boys a Marching Unit of the West Side Irish American Club in honor of the 200th Anniversary of the United States. He served as a Delegate, Deputy Director of the United Irish Societies prior to serving as Executive Director from 1992-95. In 2025, he was honored to receive the Raymond “Rip” and Mary Reilly Memorial Directors Emeritus Award for his service to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The Mackins are parishioners of St. Christopher in Rocky River. Tom serves as an Usher and Eucharistic Minister.
Tom is an example to his children of someone who loves and is proud of his Irish Heritage.
His sons played Gaelic Football and his daughters Irish Danced. All the Mackin Children have followed Tom’s footsteps, marching with the West Side Irish American Club’s Units; Junior Fife and Drum, Majorettes, Pom-Poms, Senior Fife and Drum and the Ladies Drill Team.
2026 Irish Mother of the Year
Midge Gannon
Mary Catherine Ginley was born to John and Margaret Ginley. She has one brother Pat, who gave her the nickname Midge. Midge grew up in St. Colman’s parish and then moved to St Patrick W.P. She graduated from Magnificat High School.
Midge has been married to husband Brendan for 58 years. They have three children who all attended catholic schools, St. Patrick W.P, St. Ignatius and Magnificat. All went on to college where they earned a total of five degrees. She has five grandchildren Maeve, Fiona, Conall Gannon, Colin and Gavin Wright.
Midge began Irish dance at age of 6 with teachers Tom Scott and Kevin Shanahan. At the age of 12 she took her first trip to Ireland with other dancers to learn new dance steps to take back to their dance school. Kevin’s sister Murial graciously kept them at her home.
Her introduction to the WSIA was when she would have dance practice there. She danced at the “Burning of the Mortgage” on Madison Avenue. Bobby Masterson took over the class, and she helped him as a teacher for many years.
Daughter Marian and granddaughter Fiona have kept Midge involved in the world of Irish Dance. Brendan and their sons have also played Gaelic Football with Midge as their cheerleader.
Midge began her working career at East Ohio Gas Co. Later she worked as a Librarian at St. Patrick’s W.P. elementary school for 30 years. She is happily retired although she does work occasionally at Casey’s Irish Imports.
Midge is a member of the West Side Irish American Club and a Delegate of the United Irish Societies of Cleveland. In 2014, she was honored as the West Side Irish American Club Woman of the Year. Midge has been a member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Society for over 50 years. Her and her husband Brendan were recognized as Couple of the Year.
When Lonnie McCauley started to organize al library for the WSIA, Midge volunteered to assist her. She has been Chairwoman of the committee since it opened. The committee brings in speakers on a variety of Irish topics.
The Gannons are parishioners of St. Patrick West Park. She was an active member and an officer for the Altar and Rosary Society and selected as “Special Lady” in 1998.
2026 Parade Co Chair
Bob Crawford
Bob Crawford was born in Cleveland and raised in Lyndhurst. He attended Brush High School, Kent State University and Cleveland State University. He received a Master’s Degree in Technology in Education and History.
Bob is married to Sheila Murphy Crawford. The Crawfords are parishioners of St. Dominic and reside in Mayfield Heights. He recently retired as Chair of the Social Studies Department at Beaumont High School.
Bob is a member of the Cleveland Feis Society, Irish American Club East Side, Murphy Irish Arts and the West Side Irish American Club. He has been a dedicated volunteer with the Cleveland Feis serving as Vice President for 12 years and coordinating the Feis Schedule of dancers, judges, stage building and volunteer’s duties.
Murphy Irish Arts has been honored to have Bob work for them in many capacities for the past 47 years. Since the founding of Irish Dance school, he has been involved in dancing, choreography, set design, music, costumes as well as float design and other construction projects. Bob is responsible for the administrative duties of the center.
Bob is a musician and has played for many of the Irish organizations and One World Day at the Cultural Gardens. He is dedicated volunteer at the Irish Cultural Garden for over 45 years. His commitment to the Irish Community is remarkable and truly deserving of being recognized by the United Irish Societies 2026 Co-Chair.
2026 Parade Co Chair
Donna Leary
Donna M. Leary was born on April 30, 1946, to Margaret and Palmer Smith in Cleveland, Ohio. She is the oldest of four siblings—three brothers and a sister. She attended St. Colman Grade School and went on to St. Stephen’s High School, graduating in 1964.
In 1970, Donna married the love of her life, Alex, and together they raised two children, Patrick and Michele, in Olmsted Township. Donna is the proud grandmother of two beautiful granddaughters, Morgan and Annabel.
Donna began her career in the fast-paced hospitality industry. In the mid-1970s, she worked as secretary to the general manager of the Sheraton Airport Hotel, providing first-class service to guests and VIPs alike.
She later joined the American Red Cross, where she was responsible for tracking employee schedules and timesheets for blood-drive staff throughout Northeast Ohio. She retired in 2016.
Donna’s involvement in the Cleveland Irish community steadily increased after Alex’s passing in 1990. She joined the West Side IA, where she has been an active member for decades.
Her first volunteer role was assisting with the IA’s commemorative opening-day book. Since then, she has joined the drill team, catered at the IA, and continues to support many club activities.
Donna joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in 1995 and has held many roles within the organization. She was a member of the Ohio Degree Team and served four years as President of the Our Lady of the Rosary Division. She has been active on her division’s nominating committee and has attended countless state and national conventions.
In 2020, Donna was honored with the Mary of the Gael Award for her outstanding dedication and service. Over the past five years, Donna has served on the Cleveland Feis Committee, assisting with event planning and volunteer coordination.
She is honored to represent the Brady-Campbell School of Irish Dance as their Parade Delegate. In addition, she is an active member of the Irish American Club East Side and the Mayo Society.
Donna’s commitment to preserving and promoting Irish heritage remains strong. On Mondays, you will find Donna at the “House of Champions” after-school program on Cleveland’s Near West Side, providing a safe environment for doing homework and learning valuable life skills.
West Side Irish American Club Honorees
Man of the Year Jack Forrey
Jack Forrey is the son of Hugh and Anne (Gallagher) of Curran Co. Mayo, Ireland. He is the fifth of eight children. Jack attended St. Colmen’s grade school. He served as a radio operator in the United States Army for two years.
Jack married Kay (Leonard), and together they raised three children—Mary Catherine Platten, John, and Kevin. He is a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren. After Kay’s passing, Jack later married Kathy Higman.
Jack spent many years working for Local 181 Glazer Union, where his glazing career took him across the United States, contributing to numerous high-rise building projects.
A lifelong member of the Westside Irish-American Club, Jack cherishes memories of marching from the old WSIA Club on Madison Avenue to St. Colmen’s Church each St. Patrick’s Day. During construction of the new IA, he assisted wherever needed, whether it was painting, building, or mowing the lawn. Jack served as a WSIA trustee for many years, and until recently, he drove honorees in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Jack is especially proud of two events he helped launch—the Super Bowl party and supporting his first wife Kay with the Women’s Reverse Raffle—both of which continue to sell out every year.
2026 W.S.I.A Woman of the Year
Norine Hastings
Norine’s Irish roots go back to her parents, Nora (Conway) Hastings from Tourmakeady, County Mayo, and Thomas Hastings from Westport, County Mayo. Norine was born, the youngest of four, and raised in East Cleveland with her sister, Mary and brothers, Tom and Frank.
She attended St. Philomena Grade School, Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart and Saint John College in Cleveland. Norine then went on to a career in teaching. After retiring from East Tech, she taught computer part time in two grade schools.
After a brief respite, Norine took up a new career. You can find her now, a few days a week, behind the counter at Casey’s Irish Imports in Rocky River.
Norine is an avid reader who enjoys walking and playing golf. She especially enjoys the time she can spend with her eight nieces and nephews and their families. When possible, she attends their games, extra-curricular activities, and important life events. She is a resident of North Ridgeville and a member of St. Clarence parish in North Olmsted where she serves as lector and Eucharistic Minister.
Her introduction to the West Side Irish American Club began at a very young age. In fact, you can probably say she was born into it. Her father was involved with the club from its inception and was co-founder of the WSIA Fife and Drum and Pipe Band. As a child, Norine learned many Irish dances from her mother but also took step dancing from Tom Scott and later, Kevin Shanahan, at the WSIA.
With her 3 siblings, she continued to dance with the Cleveland Gaelic Society. While her love of dancing plays a major part in her life, she is also interested in other Irish activities. For over twenty years, Norine performed with Kevin McGinty and the Cleveland Irish Players.
Through the years, she has been active with both the Irish American Club – East Side and the West Side Irish American Club. She is familiar with the kitchen on both sides of town. Her passport is still valid, and she continues to support all things Irish on both sides of the Cuyahoga.
In 1961, Norine joined her sister and her cousins in the Ladies Drill Team at the West Side Irish American Club with Carole McGinty. The following year, her sister, Mary McCluskey (1975 WSIA Woman of the Year), took over the leadership of the drill team.
Except for a few years, Norine continued to march with that unit until 1987.
At that time, she became the first leader of the Ladies Drill Team at the Irish American Club – East Side. Even then, Norine was still involved with the West Side Drill Team and would help with Sunday practice and often fill in a spot for the drill team exhibition dance. After 20 years leading the East Side Drill Team, she retired from that unit but continued marching with the WSIA Drill Team through 2018.
Norine has continued her love and interest in Irish dancing and continues to promote set dancing with weekly classes at St. Clarence. Today at the club, you can find her checking you in at the monthly meeting, playing the card game 25, but more often than not, on the dance floor.
2026 W.S.I.A Queen
Fiona Clare Mangan
Fiona Clare Mangan, a resident of North Ridgeville, OH, was born and raised in Westpark, Cleveland. She is a valued employee as a customer relations specialist for Enbridge Gas.
As a member of the large Mangan family, and the youngest daughter of Eileen Mangan-Stull, Fiona grew up attending cĂ©ilĂs, feiseanna, festivals, parades, hooleys, and wakes almost every weekend of her life.
Fiona is the youngest sister to Liam Stull and Catherine (Stull) Duplisea, and proud aunt to Cora, Ronan, and Isla Duplisea, who she continues to encourage and share her love of Irish culture. Fiona’s family roots stem from Achill, Co. Mayo, Ireland on her mother’s side and Co. Cork on her father’s.
Fiona is a familiar and friendly face to many in the Irish community around northeast Ohio. Her kind, loving, and caring nature paired with her classic Irish beauty makes her the perfect WSIA 2026 Queen.
Fiona’s involvement at the Irish American Club began as a toddler running around the club during marching practices as her mom, Eileen, supervised. She started majorettes as soon as she was allowed, progressed to flag unit, and then PomPoms. She was privileged to lead the PomPom unit her junior and senior year of high school, making priceless memories with girls she would have lasting friendships with.
Fiona grew up Irish dancing at the Burke School of Irish Dance under the instruction of the legendary Tessie Burke. Fiona retired as a championship dancer and competed on the World stage in 2012. She is the second generation in her family to dance for Tessie, and her adored nieces and nephew continue on as the third generation.
2026 W.S.I.A Volunteers of the Year
Michael McHugh & Terianne Hannibal
Michael McHugh was born in Castlebar, Co. Mayo to Patrick and Bridget (Barrett) McHugh. Shortly afterward, the family moved back to Cleveland. His parents met at a West Side Irish American Club social dance in 1950. They had six children and were long time WSIA volunteers. Patrick McHugh was named the Club’s 1994 Man of the Year.
Michael attended St. Patrick’s West Park grade school and St. Edward High School. As a young man he headed out west to Phoenix. He has three children and four grandchildren. He moved back to Cleveland in 1999.
He retired five years ago after 40 years in the HVAC industry, 16 years of which were spent at University Hospitals in Cleveland. He enjoys working with the Tuesday Volunteer Maintenance Crew team and likes to look for things to fix. He assists with HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lawn maintenance, grounds, snow removal, mailings and event set ups. He also helps in the kitchen and for special events.
Michael’s been back to the Auld Sod multiple times and has enjoyed visiting the village of Keel where his mother grew up. He’s also climbed both Slievemore on Achill Island and Croagh Patrick near Westport.
His hobbies include projects around the house and his summertime tomato garden. He enjoys being a flag bearer in the St. Patrick’s Day Parades, as did his father.
Terianne Hannibal is the daughter of Dr. John Hannibal Jr., a dermatologist, and Patricia (Doyle) Hannibal. Her grandfather was Dr. John Hannibal, a surgeon who worked for 35 years at the old St. John’s Hospital on Cleveland’s west side.
Terianne grew up in Fairview Park in the St. Angela Merici Parish and attended Fairview High. She graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism. She has an identical twin sister, Gerianne.
During Covid, Terianne spent hours researching family history. She enjoyed tracing both her Doyle & Hannibal roots and learned her great-great-great grandfather Patrick Doyle and his wife Catherine were farmers in Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo.
During the Great Famine, Patrick and his family left Ireland on the ship Nestorian and settled in 1850 in the coal mining town of Trevorton, Pennsylvania. Several years ago, Terianne visited Trevorton to see Patrick’s grave at St. Patrick Cemetery. He died at age 42 in 1857. Terianne’s grandparents, Ralph & Dorothy Doyle, lived in Decatur, IL where Ralph spent forty years in law enforcement.
Terianne’s work life included radio broadcasting, telecommunications sales and 13 years as a law firm receptionist. She moved back to Cleveland in late 2001 and met Michael several years later and has been together ever since.
Terianne is retired and enjoys volunteering for the WSIA and Fairview Hospital. She is part of the WSIA’s Tuesday cleaning crew and usually has a mop or bucket in hand.
Duties include cleaning, vacuuming, outdoor weeding and watering. She has also helped with special events and mailings. She loves keeping busy and staying active. She also enjoys attending the WSIA monthly meetings.
Irish American Club East Side
2026 Members of the Year David and Donna Baioni
David and Donna exemplify a lifetime of dedication to family, service, and community. For more than five decades, they have built a life rooted in love, commitment, and an unwavering belief in giving back.
David Baioni was born in the spring of 1949 on Cleveland’s near west side to Helen and Guerino Baioni. He attended St. Rocco’s Elementary School and West Tech High School before proudly serving in the United States Army.
After his military service, David began a long career in the Cleveland steel mills, where his strong work ethic carried him through decades of demanding labor until his well-earned retirement.
Donna Baioni was born in March of 1950 at Euclid General Hospital to Marion (Pat) and Benjamin Wilbraham. She grew up on Westport Avenue and attended Euclid City Schools. In 1973, she married David, beginning their partnership of over 53 years.
David and Donna have three children David (Kim), Phillip (Lynn) and Katie (Dave). As parents they were deeply involved in family life. David was a constant presence, participating in YMCA Indian Guides and Indian Princesses and supporting his children’s many activities. Donna became known as the person who never said “no” when help was needed. She devoted countless hours to Euclid schools as PTA president, classroom supporter, and long-time book fair volunteer. Her service expanded into a professional role supporting elementary school technology programs, while her creativity shone through years of costume design for Euclid’s “Big Show” and show choir programs—earning her the lasting nickname “Momma B.”
In retirement, David and Donna remain devoted servants of the Euclid community through their long-standing involvement with the Euclid Historical Society. As board members and volunteers, they work to preserve the city’s history, stories, and heritage for future generations. Donna’s lifelong compassion and leadership were recently recognized with the Euclid Schools Alumni Association Joseph P. Mayer Community Engagement Award.
Their commitment to faith and service was equally strong at St. Felicitas Church. David and Donna supported numerous parish ministries, most notably the bocce league, which they led for many years and consistently stepped in wherever help was needed. Through church, the Baionis formed lasting friendships that led them to the Irish American Club East Side, where their love of community continues to flourish.
At our General Membership Meetings David and Donna are most likely the first people you see when you walk in the door. They will be selling the 50/50 raffle tickets each month as they have done for years with a friendly smile.
Dave co-chaired the pinochle league with his friend Bud Epic for many years and then took on chairing the league when Bud passed. Donna is a member of the award-winning float committee where she continues to share her talents in decorating the float and making costumes to be worn by participants on the float. Donna also works on the bereavement committee and has helped decorate the club for many events/ seasons.
Above all else, David and Donna are guided by one clear priority: their five grandchildren. Victoria, Anthony, Nick, Grace and Stella. Everything they do is grounded in love for family and a desire to build a meaningful legacy for the next.
Shamrock Club of Columbus Honorees
Dan R ., Presidents Award: John Homan, Irish Man of the Year; Teresa Conley,
Member of the Year; and Michael Mentel, Parade Marshal;
Irish America 250:
Honoring 250 Years of Irish Contributions to the United States
A new initiative, Irish America 250 (irishamerica250.org), is being launched to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and the vital role the Irish have played throughout American history.
Stephen Moylan of Cork, one of Washington’s trusted aides, is credited by historians as the first person to use the phrase “The United States of America. From the nation’s very founding, Irish influence was present. Eight Irish Americans signed the Declaration of Independence, and General George Washington counted many Irish-born generals among his closest allies. Commodore John Barry of Waterford, often called the Father of the U.S. Navy, helped shape America’s earliest naval forces.
Irish America 250 is designed as an inclusive, bipartisan initiative that will highlight these historic contributions while also celebrating the impact of Irish Americans over the past two and a half centuries. The effort is being organized in partnership with the Irish Embassy and the Northern Ireland Bureau, ensuring broad collaboration and recognition on both sides of the Atlantic.
Those interested in getting involved or learning more are encouraged to reach out to Executive Director Kevin Sullivan at skjsully33@gmail.com.
