PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Since the 1970s, Mike Gallagher’s distinctive voice has been heard at Irish hotspots all around Pittsburgh like the Harp and Fiddle in the Strip District, Riley’s Pour House in Carnegie and even the old Blarney Stone that closed back in 2004.
With such a deep connection with the Pittsburgh Irish community it’s surprising that Gallagher has never attended a St. Patrick’s Day parade. That is until this year.
Gallagher who is usually playing in a nearby pub during the parade has been named the Grand marshal for this Saturday’s St. Paddy’s day parade.
Gallagher tells KDKA Radio’s Larry Richert he is still surprised by the choice.
“I’m still pretty shocked that they chose me.”
The younger Gallagher, a Pittsburgh City Firefighter and veteran, has followed in his father’s footsteps performing at Pittsburgh establishments.
Mike will then play at St. Maximillian Kolbe in Homestead from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, St. Patrick’s day.
Performing is in Mike’s blood. His father John used to sing on a local radio station during a program called “John Gallagher Sings Irish Songs”.
In addition, Mike and his seven brothers and sisters used to set up a stage in their parent’s house in Sheraden and perform Irish tunes and skits for the neighborhood, a tradition that was carried on by their children and continues today, only the Gallagher clan has gotten so large, they now have to rent out a hall!
It may have taken over 45 years, but for Gallagher it’s better late than never.
The 2019 Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Greyhound Bus Station at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th Street.
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