Rutherford St. Patrick's Day parade debuts March 4

RUTHERFORD — The "Borough of Trees" will become a little greener on March 4, as the newly organized Rutherford Irish American Association will hold its inaugural St. Patrick's Day parade, a first for Rutherford.

The parade route will follow Park Avenue, starting at Woodland Avenue and going north through the downtown to Ames Avenue.

The parade will be hosted by the Rutherford Irish American Association, just seven months old. The organization was created on July 4, 2017.

“South Bergen has never had one [an Irish heritage organization], so we’re going to bring it to them,” said Patrick O’Neill, the parade chairman.

A member of the Essex County Police and Fire Emerald Society Pipes and Drums for close to 16 years, O’Neill first approached the borough last year about having a parade in 2018.

At the moment, five pipe bands and more than 25 organizations have committed to the upcoming parade. The deadline to sign up isn’t until Feb. 3, so it’s possible more will join, said O’Neill.

Thomas Flynn has been selected as the parade's first grand marshal, and Anthony Bruton as the deputy grand marshal.

Lyndhurst Police Officer Michael Keane is the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, chosen for his heroic efforts during the May 2015 Amtrak train derailment in Philadelphia.

Firefighter of the Year is Thomas Twist Jr., who first joined the Rutherford Fire Department in 1966 and is a former chief.

The honorees were celebrated at the inaugural Grand Marshal Gala Dinner on Jan. 12. Attendees danced to the music of the McLean Avenue Band and cheered on the Essex County Police and Fire Emerald Society Pipes and Drums.

“There are many Irish in town, and I think they are happy that we are sharing those cultural ties,” said Deborah O’Neill. A board trustee, she is honored alongside Joseph Kelly as Members of the Year. Deborah O'Neill is married to Patrick O'Neill.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 23.4 percent of Rutherford's population reported having Irish in their ancestry. In New Jersey overall, that number was just under 16 percent.

“There is a huge Irish-American population in town. The beauty of our organization is [it's] open to all, those of Irish descent and Irish-Americans,” said Eric Moore, RIAA president. “The message is all are welcome.”

Anyone can join the Rutherford Irish American Association, as associate members need not be of Irish descent. Regular members must be at least 21 years of age and have a minimum of 25 percent Irish heritage. Applications and fees are outlined on the RIAA website.

Having grown up in nearby Kearny, once home to a large Irish-American population, Patrick O’Neill said he help found the RIAA because he wanted to celebrate his heritage in his new home of Rutherford.

The RIAA seeks to partner with a “sister town” in Ireland. The goal is for Rutherford residents to visit when they go to Ireland, said Moore.

Fifty-five local and national businesses pledged support for the gala and the RIAA, according to Moore.

In its first year, the organization is working on the fundamentals, with plans to expand into philanthropy, such as offering a scholarship or civic sponsorship, in its coming years.

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“This year, our main focus, and it was from the beginning, is to raise money for the parade. Since it’s our first year, we don’t have any funds and are starting from zero,” said Deborah O’Neill. “We ultimately want to give back more to the community, with scholarships at the school and things with the special needs children.”

The RIAA, and its events, have seen an uptick in participation in its inaugural months. In its first few months, the RIAA has 250 members and has participated in two borough festivals.

“Coming in droves, we’re actively remembering Irish heritage in the state,” said Moore.

A Pub Night in November, held at the Rutherford Elks Lodge #547, saw a turnout of about 165. January’s gala drew 375 attendees.

“It’s growing really quickly,” said Deborah O’Neill. “We actually had to turn people away [from the gala].”

Patrick O’Neill reflected on his wishes for the future of the Rutherford Irish.

“I hope our children take over from us,” he said. “March forth with us. It will be a great day, and all are welcome.”

Email: grantm@northjersey.com