A familiar name in Waterford will lead the St Patrick's Day parade in Glen Cove, Long Island this year.

Ryan Doherty, whose parents Bill and Teresa ran the Saratoga Pub in Woodstown for many years, will lead the route this year.

In 2018, Bill himself was the Grand Marshall of the parade so the mantle has passed from father to son.

49-year-old Ryan assisted in pulling victims from the rubble of the collapsed World Trade Center Towers in 2001 as a police officer.

With roots leading all the way back to the Waterford Estuary, Ryan will proudly represent the Irish this year across the water.

Ryan has been speaking to WLR's Dymphna Nugent about his journey to being chosen as Grand Marshal.

To listen, click the play button in the centre of the image at the top of this page.