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"It was certainly a tremendous honor," he said. "It (the parade) has become a part of my and my family's tradition."
In fact his mother Evelyn was chosen for the honor 10 years ago and for the past several years his wife Margaret has served as co-chairwoman of the Rocky Hill St. Patrick's Day Committee.
Moriarty himself has been extensively involved. He's been a member of the Rocky Hill St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee since the late- '70s and served as chairman for several years.
Parade committee members said he, along with former General Chair Jack Holleran, was a key part in the incorporation of the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee.
He has also served as parade chairman and general chair and in 1994 Jim and Margaret Moriarty were chosen as Deputy Marshals for the event.
Among other involved in the Irish Community is Jim's current position on the Board of Directors of the Irish American Home Society and for vice president of the organization.
Moriarty's roots are also deeply Irish. For example, his grandfather on his mother's side, John Fennelly, came from Ireland and served as a Hartford police officer. In Hartford, he met and married Nellie Kenny. The couple took their children back to Ireland several times and Mr. Moriarity - and his siblings - have also visited.
So while the parade is a lot of fun, Moriarty said it is a very meaningful event for him.
"It really is a way of honoring history. culture and heritage," said Moriarty, who is principal of South Elementary School in Windsor Locks.
Maggie Francis, who will head the Rocky Hill committee, which is under the umbrella of the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee, said Moriarty was an excellent choice.
"He just stands for everything that is good for Irish heritage and culture for our town and area," she said.
But while Moriarty's selection was appreciated by many in town, it is far from the only accomplishment for the town in this year's parade.
Elaine Garrahy, co chairman of the town parade committee, listed several honors for the town, which included:
* The hand-made "Saints Preserve Us" float won first place.
* The Rocky Hill High School band was given first place for a small town for its performance.
* The Rocky Hill Police Department color guard was also awarded first place for a small town.
* And the town was honored for best overall participation for a small town.
Further participation by the town included the presence of the Rocky Hill Fire Department and participation by many town and state officials, such as state Rep. Tony Guerrera. Rocky Hill Town Manager Barbara Gilbert served as the town's honoree and Fire Chief Michael P. Garrahy was the town marshal.
Garrahy said that in addition to the above participants about 30 people participated in the local committee and roughly 50 marched with the committee at the parade.
Many in Rocky Hill were all thrilled with the crowds at the event.
The parade was a huge success and a great tribute to Irish history," Francis said.
