St. Patrick's Day Parade Steps Off This Sunday in Downtown Danbury

DANBURY, CT—Two local Irish-American will have the honor of serving at this year's Co-Grand Marshals of the Greater Danbury St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 23, 2025, in downtown Danbury. Eileen Cunningham is a member of the Danbury Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH), an Irish-Catholic charitable organization. The man of the year, named by the Danbury Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), is Patrick Fahey. Both honorees were named for the generous charitable work they do and helping to keep Irish culture and history alive in the greater Danbury area.

Eileen Cunningham was born in the Bronx to Irish immigrant parents Thomas and Margaret Cunningham and grew up in New Fairfield. She has been serving the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians for more than 20 years.

“I am eternally blessed by the spirit of the Irish, ancient traditions, perseverance, faith, hope, friendship, unity, charity, and of course the gift of the dance and the gift of the gab,” Eileen said.

She previously volunteered with the community service club of New Fairfield for over 10 years, also serving as their president and past board president. She is the current historian for the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and previously served as a Foundation board member. Holding numerous positions within the organization over the years has caused her to be “deeply humbled to walk in the footsteps of the great women who previously received this award, including my mentors mother Peggy, and Mrs. Mary Foley.”

Patrick Fahey was born and raised in Galway Ireland in the town of Gort. His parents, Chris and Christy Fahey, were hardworking farmers who raised a family of six. Patrick always had a strong desire to come to the USA and emigrated to Riverdale NY in 1984 where he met his wife Marianne. They were married and moved to Yonkers and in 1994 moved to Danbury. All four of their children were raised in Danbury and attended St. Gregory the Great School and Immaculate. High School. Patrick became involved in the Ancient Order of Hibernians when the hall was located on Main Street in Danbury. When the Hibernians acquired the building at 6 Lake Ave., he helped the organization with the construction of the drainage and retaining walls and worked alongside other dedicated volunteers on the evening and weekends to make their new location what it is today.

Danbury's Irish-Americans kicked off their month-and-a-half-long celebrations with their St. Patrick's Day Parade fundraiser in February with a benefit concert at Molly Darcy's. The celebrations continued through St. Patrick's Day with the New Fairfield St. Patrick's Day parade and Mass, a Mass at St. Peter Church in Danbury and two flag raisings in Bethel.

On Sunday, March 23, the Greater Danbury St. Patrick's Day Parade, sponsored by UK Gourmet and Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, steps off at 2 p.m. at St. Peter Church, 104 Main St., Danbury. The parade starts at St. Peter Church, turns left on West St., continues straight up Lake Ave., and ends with an after-party at the GDICC, 6 Lake Ave. Danbury, with live Irish music, dance, food, and refreshments.

The Hibernians of the Year will have the distinct honor of leading the City of Danbury's parade on Sunday, March 23rd at 2:00 p.m., along with their fellow Hibernians, Celtic Cross Pipes and Drums Corps, Newtown Horse Guard, local Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops, the Mayor of the City of Danbury along with local politicians and elected officials, Danbury and surrounding towns' fire departments, Danbury police, and other marching units.

Shuttle buses will be available from 12:25 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. from the parking lot on the corner of Oil Mill Rd. & 6 Lake Ave., Danbury to take marchers to St. Peter's Church where step-off begins at 2 p.m. Parking and viewing is anywhere along the parade route: 104 Main St. to West St. to 6 Lake Ave, Danbury.

Parade organizers would like to thank the Parade Chairman, Kevin Hearty and his committee, as well as the generous parade sponsors:

• Platinum: UK Gourmet, Jowdy Kane Funeral Home, Danbury & Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield
• Gold: Ives Bank
• Silver: Union Savings Bank
• Bronze: Hoffman Fuel, Paul Morton Jewelers, Danbury Auto Body

Questions? Call the club at (203) 739-0010 or email DanburyIrish@gmail.com.

Photo credit: Julie Kushner