2006 Grand Marshal Harry Morel
The Parade, which began in 1986, welcomes New Orleanians and all newcomers to the area. This year’s Grand Marshal is District Attorney Harry Morel. Recognizing all that New Orleans has endured since August, the selection committee desired to call further recognition to what the Irish have accomplished and contributed to New Orleans especially with the construction of the Irish Channel. Harry Morel's ancestry was a great contributor to that end.
Harry's contribution to other Irish related efforts in St. Charles Parish and the greater New Orleans area include his financial and fund-raising support for the New Orleans Pipe and Drum Band. As a master piper, he continues to compete. He is also the founder of the "Four Leaf Clover" Society, an organization that attends numerous banquets and benefits by reciting Irish poems, jokes and odes.
Harry is also excellent "Carragh" racer. A Carragh is a small boat used by the Irish for fishing and traveling purposes. In 2000 with the finish line in sight at the "St. Charles Parish Carragh Races", Harry rescued a fellow oarsman from the icy waters rather than speeding across the finish line to capture the title for the eleventh time.
Harry has been recognized by the country of Ireland and the city of Killarney for his achievements and accomplishments. He travels there to renew acquaintances and is a member of the Killarney Inner Circle whose members also include former Grand Marshal’s Ivar Quigley, Denis Coffey and Thomas "Junior" Finnegan.
In the words of Crews LeBlanc, ”Harry Morel not only represents St. Charles Parish but has been instrumental in writing and constructing legal briefs that will be used in the courts in perpetuity..." "We hope that his designation as Grand Marshall for this year's parade will not detract from his expected future position and selection on the Louisiana State Supreme Court."
Farin Rafferty of County Cork, Ireland responded: "Harry Morel's stature in our country is only heightened by his selection as Grand Marshall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana." "Harry was the 227th recipient of the Mick Hickey Humanitarian Award presented by Con Horgan on his recent visit to Ireland." 