—Parade Sash Gala on Saturday, Mar. 3—Parade on Sunday, Mar. 12—
The Eastchester Irish American Social Club will honor seven Grand Marshals for the 17th Annual Eastchester St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Grand Marshals Brenda Nangle Geraghty, John Collins, Liam
Deegan, Steve Doherty, Margaret Murtagh, John Murtha and John Phelan have all served as presidents
of the club, with full resumes of volunteerism and community service.
The Parade is Sunday, Mar. 12, 2023 at 3 pm—stepping off at Immaculate Conception Church in Tuckahoe and continuing north on Route 22 to Lake Isle Park in Eastchester.
The Gala honoring and bestowing Parade Sashes to the Grand Marshals and Parade Honorees, Connie
Cullen and Beth Schaefer, is Friday, March 3, 2023 at Mulino’s, located at Lake Isle Country Club in
Eastchester. Cullen and Schaefer are being recognized for extensive volunteer support for the EIASC’s
aim to encourage appreciation of Irish culture in our community.
When asked to comment on the Grand Marshal honor, John Murtha said “It is an honor to represent the
Irish community as Grand Marshal with my esteemed colleagues, as well as our two Honorees. The
Eastchester Irish American Club members lead many noteworthy efforts that have made our Irish
culture accessible to our town and future generations.”
Margaret Murtagh added, “I am very honored to be part of this wonderful group of men and women who have over the years helped make Eastchester Irish American Social Club a great organization. We have brought our rich Irish heritage to the town of Eastchester and helped many new residents to the area feel welcome.”
The Eastchester Irish American Social Club hosts many events with membership open to all. When
asked how the Club serves the community, Steve Doherty replied: “Christine and I have always tried to
pass on to our children not only the pride of being Irish, but also what our ancestors sacrificed to come
to the United States. Both the Club and parade help relay and honor those messages. I’m grateful for
that, and proud to be recognized for my contributions.”
Grand Marshal John Collins has volunteered alongside many other EIASC members and Eastchester residents to raise money for scholarships and community improvement through events like the Eastchester Annual 5K and The Eastchester Cup Collins shared “My family and I love Eastchester and I am eternally grateful for the Eastchester Irish for befriending us and making us feel comfortable in this once new setting. This organization has also provided the platform for which I was able to give back to the Town and raise money and awareness to great causes.”
Grand Marshal Liam Deegan of County Offaly, immigrated to the United States in 1985, settling in
Eastchester in 1990. Deegan who served as EIASC president during a period of club rebuilding
commented “I am indebted to the Irish immigrants that came here and paved the way for myself and
millions of others as they navigated their new country. God bless America.”
The Green Line Sponsor for 2023 is Jack’s Bar & Restaurant in Eastchester jackseastchester.com. The
Green Line is painted along the parade route a few days prior to announce the coming parade
festivities.
Traditionally sold out, the Gala is attended by EIASC members and their guests. This year live music
will be provided by the Sean Fleming Band. The Hendry, Sylvester, McNamara School of Irish Dance
will perform during the evening’s festivities. EIASC membership is open to all. Parade, Gala and
Membership details are at eastchesterirish.org. EIASC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1966
with members from Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Bronxville, Crestwood and surrounding communities.
