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The Special Organizations of The Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade

** Denotes Charter Member of Parade Committee

Joseph Nugent, Sr. Association**


Celebrating 75 Years of Service in 2008


The Joseph Nugent, Sr. Association is the oldest independent Irish-American Association in the state of NJ. It was founded in 1933 by Joseph & Nora Nugent and a group of friends. The Association is noted for its charitable endeavors and each year sponsors an Irish picnic for the benefit of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It has also made contributions to the Center for Hope Hospice and the Deborah Hospital. They work continuously to "Keep the Tradition Alive".

For more information, contact them at 732-594-1763.

Union County Irish American Association**

The Union County Irish American Association was founded in 1982 to promote Irish Culture, foster interest in Irish history & heritage in the Union County area and to support charitable programs especially those that benefit Irish-American efforts. Past contributions have benefited Project Children, Center for Hope Hospice, P.O.W./M.I.A., Fr. McTagus Shelter, and Pat Driscol Memorial Scholarship.

For more information, contact Barbara Mahon, President (908)259-1951 or Kitty Ford (908)245-1101

Rahway Ancient Order of Hibernians

The Rahway "AOH" was founded in 1879; named in honor of Reverend CJ Kane in 1918, and has met at St. Mary's Church in Rahway ever since. the AOH is the oldest Irish American Fraternal Organization. Its purpose is to promote Irish heritage and culture.

For more information, contact Paul Bulger, President at (908)276-0533

Thornsticks**

Founded in 1982, Thornsticks' primary purpose is that of propagating pride in one's Irish ancestry, pledging always to contribute to strengthening the bonds of friendship as well as respect and understanding between America & Ireland. A proud lot, the Thornsticks are passionately proud of their Irish culture and customs; this done without publicity, fanfare or personal reward.

For more information, contact Joe Dugett at (908)351-1550

Union County Emerald Society**

A small group of active and retired Irish American Law enforcement Officers and Firefighters organized the Union County Emerald Society in 1981. It was the second such organization chartered in the state of New Jersey. The organization's membership has grown to several hundred. The mission of the Emeralds is to preserve and promote our Irish heritage through the good works of our members. The Emeralds have participated in every Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade, and have eagerly provided personnel and support to the parade organization.

For more information, contact Jack Casey, President at (732)382-5983

Friendly Sons of St. Patrick  --  Union County

The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick began in Philadelphia in 1771 in the midst of the foundations of our country. Earliest members include many influential patriots who were devoted to the cause of liberty. Among the honorary members of the first meeting were John Dickenson, Robert Morris, who later signed the Declaration of Independence, and General George Washington. The first president was General Stephen Moylan, who was a private secretary to General George Washington. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin frequented meetings of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Union County was first organized in 1962, with Joseph Higgins as the first president. The organization was later incorporated in the fall of 2005. More than 45 years later, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick continues to provide scholarships to young men of Irish ancestry and support to worthy charitable organizations
For additional information, please contact Derek Guinane at 908-868-6764 or go to www.FriendlySonsofStPatrick.org

The Community of St. Helen

Founded in 1968 by Msgr. Thomas Meaney, the Roman Catholic Community of St. Helen has expanded in the past decades to become a family oriented Parish of over 3,500 registered families.

United in prayer and nourished and sustained by the Eucharist, we realize that it is our calling to use our God-given gifts of time, talent and treasure to benefit all our family, as well as anyone with need, both local community and elsewhere.

Our loving, selfless Pastoral Associate, Marilyn Ryan, was thrilled to be selected Grand Marshal of the 2002 Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade. Her Chief of Staff, Dennis Cogan, aided her through the year. The whole community supported her completely and has continued their support by becoming an Organizing Member of the Parade Committee with several members of the Parish on the Board of Directors.

You may visit our web site at www.westfieldnj.com/sthelens or , contact Gerard Barton at (908) 233-7525

Irish American Society of Union**

The Irish American Society of Union was founded in 1991 by a group of Union Township residents with the desire to foster and promote Irish heritage and traditions within the community. With a focus on the youth of the township the organization began honoring graduating High School senior Student Athletes of Irish American background in 1992. That affair has grown over the years to where we now award scholarships to 6 seniors each year. Other charitable donations include Project Children, Center for Hope Hospice, Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Union Police Department's Annual Toys for Tots campaign at Christmas. As one of the founding organizations of the Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade we are proud to be the host community since the parades inception.

For more information, contact Michael Scanlon, President at (908)964-7122

Union County Police & Fire Pipes and Drums

The Union County Police & Fire Pipes and Drums band is comprised mainly of Police Officers and Firefighters from Union County, New Jersey. We officially became a band in October 2001, but there were many hours of practice that began in April of that same year.

Our founder Ed Donnelly became the bands first Pipe Major. Our Drum Major is Bob Munnings. Our Pipe Sergeant is Don Kozlowski; Drum Sergeant is Brian Burke. The Band Manager is Dennis Conners and the Treasurer is Jimmy Hannon. At present the band has over 30 members, including 3 sets of fathers and sons. The band is comprised of beginning, intermediate and experienced pipers and drummers.

Our bagpipe instructor is John Martin Bradley, a very talented Piper with over 20 years experience. John appeared in the movie "Dead Poets Society", heads the NYC Bagpipe Academy and plays with the Irish rock group Gael Force.

Our drum instructor is Andy White, author of the instructional book "Roll Control". Andy was a studio drummer for the Beatles, Tom Jones and Burt Bacharach.

The Band's kilt is the MacNaughton dress plaid and contains the colors representing our members; Red for the Firefighters, Blue for the Police Officers and Green for Ireland.

Our uniform is military in style signified by the beret with the badge of the member's department, white spats, longhaired sporran, and uniform shirts, almost identical to those worn on duty by Police Officers and Firefighters.

For more information, contact Band Manager Dennis Conners # (908) 230 - 7084. Visit our new web site, www.unioncountypipeband.com.