“When Irish eyes are smiling sure they’ll steal your heart away,” and that is exactly what Eileen Garvey Culhane spent her life doing. A dedicated leader in the Rochester Irish community, member of the Shannonside Ceili Dancers, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother; Eileen poured her heart into every aspect of her life.

Eileen was born to William and Margaret Garvey of Mendon, NY. She married Michael Culhane of County Kerry, Ireland in 1955. They had three beautiful children Bridget, Maggie and Thomas.

In 1974, she started her involvement with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade when she joined the organizing committee. A few years later, Eileen’s father, William Garvey, was designated Grand Marshal of the Parade. Her love of all things Irish started with her parents, both immigrants from Ireland. Eileen was instrumental in the organization of the Colleen of the Shamrocks which is now known as the Ambassador to Waterford. She also chaired the Parade Committee, participated in many political and community organizations, and was a member of countless Irish programs. 

After years of dedication to the Rochester Irish community, she was chosen to serve as Grand Marshal of the 1997 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. 

Even when her memory started to fail, the color green always put a smile on her face. In 2017, Eileen passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Eileen’s Irish spirit lives on through her legacy, both in her accomplishments and her family. We are proud to honor her as one of our “In Memoriam” honorees for the 2018 TOPS St. Patrick’s Day Parade.