Father Murphy to Lead Parade

Father Richard Murphy

The streets of Greenwich are about to get a whole lot greener. Father Richard Murphy has been named the Grand Marshal of the 49th annual Greenwich St. Patrick’s Parade, set to march on March 23, 2025, at 2 p.m. It’s the kind of honor that feels like destiny for Father Murphy, who’s spent a lifetime rooted in Irish pride and community spirit.

Officially, his Grand Marshal duties kick off on March 8 at the Greenwich Hibernian Association’s St. Patrick’s dinner dance, but for Father Murphy, the celebration runs much deeper than a title. “I have so many fond memories of attending the parade as a child,” he shared. “It was a day that brought the community together and meant the world to my godfather and uncle, Dennis Murphy. To be par t of this tradition now is a great honor.”

Father Murphy’s Irish heritage is more than a badge— it’s the foundation of his story. His grandfather, Philip Murphy Sr., emigrated from New Ross, County Wexford, and his grandmother, Margaret Carey, hailed from Kilkenny. The two met in Brooklyn, married, and eventually settled in Greenwich, where the family’s ties to the town took root.

Raised in Stamford, Father Murphy grew up in a bustling household with his parents, Philip Jr. and Betty, and his four siblings. After graduating from Stamford High in 1979, he worked as a postage meter repairman at Pitney Bowes. But in 1989, he felt a higher calling, leaving behind his toolbox to enter the St. John Fisher Seminary Residence.

His path to priesthood took him through Sacred Heart University and the Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall. Ordained in 1996 by then-Bishop Edward Egan, Father Murphy began a priestly journey that spanned parishes in Norwalk, Stamford, Trumbull, and Stratford. But in 2014, fate brought him back to Greenwich as the pastor of St. Michael Parish.

“It’s been wonderful reconnecting with the community here,” he said. “Greenwich is not just where my father grew up; it’s where I’ve found my place as well.”

Beyond his pastoral duties, Father Murphy is a chaplain for the Greenwich Police Department and the Knights of Columbus. His ability to connect with people, whether through faith or service, makes him the perfect choice to lead this year’s parade.

The Greenwich St. Patrick’s Parade is more than floats and bagpipes—it’s a testament to the town’s enduring sense of community and heritage. For Father Murphy, it’s also a chance to celebrate the values that shaped him. “St. Patrick’s Day is about faith, resilience, and the beauty of Irish culture,” he said. “It’s an honor to be part of that.”

Mark your calendars for March 23, and visit www.greenwichhibernians.org for updates. With Father Murphy leading the way, this year’s parade promises to be one for the books—equal parts celebration and connection, with plenty of Irish pride to go around.

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