Woodbridge St. Patrick's Day Parade Will Be March 9

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Get ready! The Woodbridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, one of the largest parades and celebrations of Irish-American heritage in New Jersey, will be March 9 this year.

The parade will step off at 1:30 p.m. It starts at Woodbridge High School and ends at Woodbridge Town Hall on Main Street.

To have your group march in the parade, email santaonsmith@gmail.com

The parade is put on by the American Irish Association of Woodbridge, a civic organization that meets monthly in Woodbridge. They are the same group that sponsors the Justin McCarthy scholarship, maintains Charlie Shaughnessy Park, visits the Menlo Park veterans Home, Tools Around Town, puts up handicap ramps, etc.

Their club pub is located at 95 Port Reading Ave., Woodbridge.

The 2025 parade chair is Keven McCreary. Every year, the parade chair is a member of the American Irish Association of Woodbridge and is nominated by his fellow members.

“Our parade committee has worked for months to put on the parade. I am proud to lead the effort to share our Irish heritage & entertainment for the entire community to enjoy,” said McCreary.

The parade is funded with ads from local businesses & donations. To contribute or join the American Irish Association of Woodbridge, please write to PO Box 114, Iselin, NJ 08830. Or message them on Facebook at American Irish Association of Woodbridge.

Here are bios on the honorees:

Ed McSherry, Grand Marshal

“I am truly honored to be the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade. As a proud member of the American Irish of Woodridge, it’s a privilege to represent this great organization and its members. Our long history of giving back to the veterans, less fortunate and handicapped has always inspired me to this prestigious honor. I look forward to a fantastic parade and a Happy St Patrick’s Day celebration!”, said Edward Paul McSherry.

His grandparents were from Ireland (Patrick McSherry from County Sligo, and Mary McBrien from County Cavan). Edward’s parents, Terence and Margaret Devore McSherry, raised their four children, Terry, Edward, James, and Patty, in Carteret. He has four sons, Sean, Patrick, Brian & Michael (passed). Ed is a team captain for Woodbridge’s “Tooling Around the Township” program. His efforts earned him the nickname “Eddie and the Rampers” and the Key to the Township. Ed worked as a licensed Wastewater Pump Repairman for the Township. He is a parishioner at St. James Catholic Church, a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, & member of the Woodbridge Democratic County Committee. He has also supported township events like the Crossroads Race and Pizza Run since their inception. He has served as President, Vice President, Director, Parade Chair & Irish Man of the Year.

Sean Daly, Irish Man of the Year

The Irish Man of the Year was last year’s Parade Chair. He was President of the Family School Association Board at Assumption Catholic School from 2014-2017. He ran pancake breakfasts, grilled at the end of year picnics, and was in charge of three of the Christmas Bazaars. He also ran the track and bowling teams. In our assoc. he collects coins, tools around town, and was in charge of the assoc.’s 2nd Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day. He currently runs the assoc.’s bi-annual Blood Drive. He is also a member of the Perth Amboy Hibernians and Knights of Columbus. Sean ushers whenever needed at St. James Parish. His wife is Connie and they have two children: Natalie and Brian (& their family dog, Prancer). His Parents were James and Carol Daly.

Peggy Foley, Irish Woman of the Year

Irishwoman of the Year is Peggy Foley. She was born and raised in New York City. The oldest of five children born to Thomas & Mary Ann Crimmins (nee McKelvey). Her grandparents, James & Mary McKelvey (nee Pearse) were born in Donegal & Kerry, Ireland, respectively. Her ancestor Padraig Pearse was one of the leaders of the Easter Rebellion of 1916. She is the proud mother of her three sons, Colin, Kerry & Brendan and a loving mother-in-law to Lucille & Ryan and grandmother to her beautiful granddaughter Rory. Peggy ran the St. James Food Pantry & is an ESL instructor for New Jersey Literacy. She is our Treasurer & has served on the Parade, Scholarship, Veterans, Dinner Dance, AD book, Raise a Pint and Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Committees.

Alesandra McFadden, Miss American Irish

Miss American Irish, Alesandra McFadden, is a sophomore at Arthur L. Johnson High School where she serves as the secretary of the Key Club, and is a Public Relations Officer for her class. She is involved in the Student Movement Against Cancer, Active Minds, Unified Sports, & the Science Club. She writes articles published on her town’s website and is a member of the Speech and Debate Teams & Student Council. She manages fundraising communications with local businesses & oversees the class’s social media accounts. Alesandra is on the varsity cross country and track teams. Her grandparents Kathy and Jim McFadden are American Irish members.

Katelyn Driscoll, Lady-in Waiting

Katelyn Ann Driscoll, Irish Lady in Waiting, is a freshman at Middletown High School South. Her favorite place to be is on the stage performing. Katelyn is a current member of the Middletown Arts Center (Elf, Jr., The Lion King, Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka). Katelyn just performed in her first drama, Radium Girls, on her high school stage. Katelyn volunteers at the Public Library, the Arts Center & at her elementary school by working backstage during their spring musicals. Her grandparents are American Irish Association of Woodbridge members John & Barbara Reitmann, who live in Woodbridge.