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Stepping out in style, 86-year-old Cora Dunning is Greater Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal

The former Irish American Home Society president is being honored for 2024.

GLASTONBURY, Conn — “I’m thrilled, I couldn’t believe it,” said Cora Dunning as she sat inside the Irish American Home in Glastonbury.

Dunning, 86, was recently named the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an honor she insists she shares with her community.

“I’m very proud of it," Dunning said. "I’m very proud of my country and I’m also very grateful for having the opportunity to come to America.”

Dunning immigrated to America in 1958 and quickly found a welcome haven at the Irish American Home Society where she ultimately served as a president in the late 1980s.

“It’s very exciting to have Cora as our Grand Marshal. She really exemplifies everything about the Irish people and our Irish community,” said Maureen Kennedy, the co-treasurer of the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee (CCCCC).

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“It’s an essential part of our culture so those of us who are marching in it like to share that,” said Cora's brother, Pat Whelan, 88. Whelan is famous in the community for leading a talented pipe band in the parade.

Cora has lived in Glastonbury "for close to 60 years" and estimates that she has participated in around 50 Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parades.

“This is a wonderful title, I’m very proud of it and I thank everybody who put me here,” Cora added.

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Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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