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Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton, left, shares some laughter with the four St. Patrick’s Day Parade marshals during Monday’s announcement at City Hall. Marshals are Bob Mullery, left, Jim Gallagher, Joe Keating, and Ned McGinley.

Wilkes-Barre’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade marshal Ned McGinley makes a few remarks at the podium during the announcement of parade marshals by Mayor Tom Leighton on Monday at City Hall. Looking on are marshals Bob Mullery, left, Jim Gallagher, and Joe Keating.

Parade route

WILKES-BARRE — On the nicest day weather-wise of 2015, Mayor Tom Leighton Monday named four members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians St. John Neumann Division as grand marshals for the city’s 35th annual St.Patrick’s Day Parade.

Ned McGinley, Joe Keating, Jim Gallagher and Bob Mullery will lead Sunday’s parade that steps off at 2 p.m. Leighton made the announcement in a brief ceremony in Council Chambers, 4th floor, City Hall.

All four men said they were humbled and honored to be named grand marshals and to represent an organization that was formed in 1977 in the city and is part of the AOH that was founded in the U.S. in 1836. McGinley, 71, said AOH is the oldest Irish-Catholic organization in the country.

“This is important to be here and be honored by the city you live in,” McGinley said. “And to represent such a great organization.”

Mullery, 52, said he wished his father — former St. Vincent’s High School (Plymouth) basketball standout Bobby Mullery — was in attendance to see his son honored.

“This would be right up my dad’s alley,” Mullery said of his father, who died in 2006. “He would be marching right alongside me. This would be very special for him.”

Gallagher, 69, and Keating, 59, said the local AOH raises money to help students pay for college. They said the St. John Neumann Division has a fully endowed scholarship fund at King’s College.

“I’m thrilled beyond words,” Gallagher said. “And I’m proud of our organization.”

Each grand marshal was given a walking stick by the mayor to use in the parade.

“When I became mayor, I decided to change our parade day to Sunday instead of Saturday,” Leighton said. “By not competing with other parades, we have the best entertainment and performers available.

Liza Prokop, city spokeswoman, said the city has a fun-filled day of Irish heritage and culture scheduled for the annual parade. The parade route will begin at South Main and South streets and will travel along South Main to Public Square, past the F.M. Kirby Center and end at the intersection of North Main and Union streets.

Prokop said all ages are welcome to enjoy the parade activities and performances throughout the day. She said children are invited to Barnes & Noble College Bookstore for a St. Patrick’s Day story hour at 11:30 a.m.

Prokop said face art will be available at noon on Public Square with parade themed artwork for children and adults. The Irish folk band “The Hooley Boys,” will be performing before the parade on the reviewing stand at 1 p.m.

Attendees will enjoy many other Irish themed performances by various pipe and drum bands and local dance ensemble groups. McCarthy Tire Service is once again the music sponsor for the parade.

Prokop said those wishing to kick off parade day on a healthy note can register for “The Renal Race 4.” The 5k race promotes kidney cancer research and awareness and begins at 10 a.m. on Public Square.