Hero surgeon who braved war zones chosen to lead Waterford's St Patrick’s Day parade

Waterford’s St Patrick’s Day Parade has named an award-winning surgeon who has worked on the frontlines of war and disaster zones as its Grand Marshal for 2026.

Dr Morgan McMonagle, a vascular and trauma surgeon at University Hospital Waterford, will lead this year’s parade after being honoured with the 2025 RCSI Humanitarian and Community Award for his life-saving work in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones.

Originally from Cavan but now based in Waterford, Dr McMonagle has carried out missions in Palestine, Ukraine, Lebanon and Gaza through the David Nott Foundation, training doctors and treating patients in areas devastated by war.

Recalling his most recent mission to Gaza, Dr McMonagle said: “The hospital that I was operating and living in was bombed. I was in the Intensive Care Unit of Nasser hospital when the building was struck.
“At the time of the strike, I was working on two patients with an American colleague. Some Palestinian staff members ran into the ICU to confirm the building had been hit and I could also see fire and smoke from the window.

“I immediately went into survival mode, thinking through the layout of the floor to remember where the fire escapes were… it was very visceral, very instinctive,” he said.

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Dr McMonagle said the reality facing humanitarian workers has changed dramatically in recent years.

“If something is repugnant, it behoves all right minded and reasonably thinking people to call it out,” he said, adding that doctors are now often “being forced to speak out – to advocate on behalf of the people, on behalf of the truth, and on behalf of humanity”.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Seamus Ryan, said the city was “honoured” to have Dr McMonagle leading the parade.

“He is the epitome of all that is good in the world,” the Mayor said. “Time and again, he gives selflessly of his expertise, compassion and personal time, choosing to place himself in harm’s way to deliver life-saving care to those who need it most.”

Waterford’s St Patrick’s Day Parade and festival celebrations will run from March 13 to March 17, with organisers inviting local businesses, clubs and community groups to get involved.