2023

Aide to The Grand Marshal

Sean A. Claffey
New York County Aide to the Grand Marshal

Sean Claffey is an Irish American and native New Yorker who grew up in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn. Mr. Claffey’s maternal grandmother Josephine Feeney was born in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. His grandfather, Martin Feeney, was born in Dromahair, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim. His grandparents immigration from a one-room farmhouse to a middle-class household in America created a lifestyle which gave their daughter and Sean’s mother, Patricia Feeney, the opportunity to become the first female stock analyst in the history of Wall Street. His father’s family, the Claffeys, are from Clonmacnoise in Co. Offaly. Growing up, Sean developed a love for the theater and attended Edward R. Murrow High School. He was classically trained as a set designer and held many positions in the film and TV industries in New York City. He is also an award-winning filmmaker with a mission “to shine the light into the darkness and tell the stories of the voiceless and oppressed and expose injustice wherever it may be.” With a passion for helping those in need, Sean has been a first responder for over 25-years. He is a New York State firefighter and a dedicated supporter of worthy causes such as feeding the hungry, assisting those without housing and providing immigration support. Sean is a past president of AOH Division 7 Midtown Manhattan, and the Co-Chairman of the Celtic Cruise, one of the big charity events in NYC which currently benefits the Emerald Isle Immigration Center. He is a member of the IBO – Irish Business Organization. He also works with Basket Brigade NYC, which helps feed over 1200 people during the holidays.