Rockland County Hibernians Schedule Ball, Parade For 2022

PEARL RIVER, NY — After two years, the Rockland County Ancient Order Of Hibernians is more than ready for its St. Patrick's Day Parade and annual Emerald Ball.

The ball has been scheduled for Feb. 26, the parade is March 20, and bios of this year's honorees have begun appearing on the website.

"Grand Marshal Frank McDonagh, Parade Commander Deirdre Smith-Withers, and Aide to the Grand Marshal (NYC) Lillian Murphy will finally enjoy their march down the Avenue," said John McGowan, president of the Rockland County AOH and Loretta Reidy, president of the Rockland County LAOH.

Members of the group are also looking forward to being once again able to celebrate their Irish heritage as a community. At the event at the Pearl River Hilton, they also plan to remember those who died of COVID-19, including Rich Lenihan, who had been named Aide to Grand Marshal for the 2020 parade, which was canceled as the coronavirus pandemic began.

This year's honorees include:

• Hibernian Of The Year - Nadine Faughnan-Green
• Businesspersons Of The Year - Peter And Kwan Bellhouse, Kwan Thai Restaurant
• Parade Commander - Suffern Police Sgt. Deirdre Smith-Withers, a recipient of the 2005 Rockland County PBA Medal of Valor
• Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal - Frank McDonagh, an active member of the Pearl River Division III Ancient Order of Hibernians who serves as President of the Hibernian House of Rockland.
• Aide to the Grand Marshal, NYC - Lillian Murphy, a member of The Rockland County Irish American Culture Center and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 2.