St. Patrick’s Day Parade honorees

Submitted by Ken Gardner, American Irish Association of Woodbridge

“I am truly honored to be the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade. As a proud member of the
American Irish Association of Woodbridge, 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 and 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, and a member of the Woodbridge
Democratic County Committee. He has also supported township events like the Crossroads
Race and Pizza Run since their inception. In our Association, Ed has served as President, Vice
President, Director, Parade Chair and Irish Man of the Year.

Sean R. Daly, our 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 association he collects coins,
tools around town, and was in charge of the association’s second Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day. He
currently runs the association’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 (and their family dog, Prancer). His
parents were James and Carol Daly.

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

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, and the
Science Club. She writes articles published on her town’s website and is a member of the
Speech and Debate Teams and Student Council. She manages fundraising communications with
local businesses and 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 Ann Driscoll, our 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 and at her elementary school by working backstage during their spring musicals.
Her grandparents are association members John and Barbara Reitmann.

The American Irish Association of Woodbridge is a civic organization that meets monthly,
sponsors the Justin McCarthy Scholarship, maintains the Charlie Shaughnessy Park, visits our
Menlo Park Veterans Home, Tools Around Town, puts up handicap ramps, etc. Our Club Pub is
located at 95 Port Reading Ave. Woodbridge.

Our Parade Chair for 2025 is Keven McCreary. “Our parade committee has worked for months
to put on the parade. I am proud to lead the effort to share our Irish heritage and entertainment for
the entire community to enjoy,” said McCreary.

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

This year’s parade is March 9, stepping off at 1:30 pm. It starts at Woodbridge High School and
ends at Town Hall on Main St.