The 62nd Rockland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Thousands of people turned out in shades of lucky green to honor their Irish heritage in Pearl River for Rockland’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Headed by Grand Marshall Patrick Withers, the parade featured celebrations of Ireland, Irish history, as well as the community driven culture of Rockland County. The parade itself featured a classic array of marching bands, local organizations, and proud Irish-Americans waving their banners high. Among the attending organizations were the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Rockland Gaelic Athletic Association, and Clan Na Gael among many others.

Five battalions marched through Grand Avenue plus an honor battalion at the beginning of the parade. Parade Commander Sgt. Colleen Fitzpatrick led the honor battalion, Elizabeth Kozman led the first battalion, Martin Fogarty led the second, John Edwards the third battalion, Michael Fennessy the fourth battalion, and Christopher Dodril led the fifth and final battalion. Marching along with them were Irish step dancers, marching bands, and bag pipe players from across the Hudson Valley, New York City, and New Jersey.

Rockland’s Irish heritage runs deep and the people of Rockland, Irish or not, are extremely proud of it. For years, especially during The Troubles, Rocklanders fundraised for the independence being fought for in Ireland against the United Kingdom. This history is hard to forget, and as such the parade saw Clan Na Gael marchers carrying banners to honor and remember the fallen patriots of Ireland who gave their lives for the cause of independence. 

Pearl River was grateful for the weather and that the predicted rainfall occurred well after the celebration’s official end. Up and down Grand Ave, parade-goers were popping in and out of bars and restaurants for a bite to eat and a pint to drink while watching the procession. Families with kids, college students, and everyone in between showed up to celebrate the incredible Irish-American community of Rockland County.