Ryan Jennings, Color Guard for the Shannon Rovers 
by Holly Jennings
If you see a resident all decked in shamrock clothing, you can be sure it is Ryan Jennings. Ryan loves his Irish heritage, and he specifically loves the bagpipes. When Ryan was a young boy before living at Misericordia, we would attend Family Fest every year. When the Shannon Rovers played, Ryan would dash away to find them to hear the beautiful music.
Years later, when he became a resident, I asked one of the Rovers if Ryan could carry the flag at Family Fest. I bought him a kilt online, and he carried the flag proudly. But after this experience, he wanted more! He told me he wanted to march with the Shannon Rovers at the Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day parade. I said, no, that’s probably not possible.
At that, Ryan looked up the Shannon Rovers on the internet and found their website with the band manager’s name and phone number. Ryan called the manager every day until he told Ryan that he could march in a few parades that season, including the parade downtown. Since then, Ryan has been an Honorary Member of the Shannon Rovers Color Guard, marching in many parades, weddings, parties and events since 2018.
Since I was driving him to these events, I decided to learn the bagpipes. I have been playing since 2020. Ryan and I have so much fun being Shannon Rovers together! This group is now like family to us. Last April, we attended the Tartan Day Parade, marching down 6th Avenue in New York City. And Ryan led us, as the single Color Guard!!
Look for Ryan this September at our Annual Family Fest, he will be marching proudly with the Rovers.