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"St. Pat Hike tomorrow will stack more than 100 miles in 20 years for Father Murphy, John Carroll University dean of men. By Jack Warfel. As has been his custom for the past 20 years, John Carroll University's dean of men reached for his shillelagh today and prepared to hike while others ride. Unyielding in his St. Patrick's Day preference, Rev. Fr. William J. Murphy, on the cheery side of 60, figured tomorrow's march through streets of Cleveland will boost his Mar. 17 parade-mileage well over the 100 mark. His shillelagh flaunts a sassy green bow. The cudgel's bottom will tap the pavement in mellowed rhythm as the dean, exuding pleasant dignity and panting mildly, fixes his gaze straight ahead. Behind him will pace the O'Donnell's, O'Connells, O'Driscolls and Flynns; the O'Holleys, O'Dooleys, O'Malleys and Brians. Fog No Problem. Plus the Callaghans, McGuires, O'Reillys and O'Gradys. Not forgetting the McGillicuddys, McGintys, McGugans and Sweeneys. Nor the number of Carroll students keeping step with names no closer to Ireland than Brown. Father Murphy prides himself on the fact that he has marched in rain, snow, fog and, on one occasion, stubborn sleet, as well as in balmy sun. And no amount of urging can get him into a car. He regards Carroll's float, a student-made, statue of St. Patrick, as a pulse of tomorrow's parade. 'We've been marching for St. Patrick nearly a quarter of a century in Cleveland,' he said. 'It's not too soon to have his likeness in our midst. I don't believe I've ever seen a Mar.17 parade before with St. Patrick along for the ride." -- photo verso |
