Our Member Organizations
Columbian Club of Union
For Hall Rental at the Union Knights of Columbus on Jeanette Avenue in Union, contact John Bashaw
908-212-1593 or columbianclub4504@gmail.com
Dowling's Irish Pub & Restaurant
117 Chestnut Street
Roselle Park, New Jersey
(908) 241-6300
Elizabeth Knights of Columbus Council #253
Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Union County
More than 50 years after the Friendly Sons of St Patrick of Union County, NJ was first organized, they continue to support local charitable organizations and provide scholarships to young men of Irish ancestry. The Union County Chapter was established 1962 with Joseph Higgins as president. Steeped in tradition and history the Friendly Sons of St Patrick of Union County, NJ was founded on a commitment to benevolence and volunteerism. It performs these duties in the form of scholarships and through events and activities.
Irish American Society of Union
The Irish American Society of Union was founded in 1991 by a group of Union Township residents with a desire to foster and promote Irish heritage and traditions within the community. In 1992 we began to put a larger focus on the area youth by honoring a few graduating student athletes at an annual breakfast, we have since opened that to all graduating students, and award them with a scholarship. We have also made numerous charitable donations over the life of the organization, including Project Children; Make a Wish Foundation, Center for Hope Hospice and Union Township’s Police Departments annual Toys for Tots program. We are one of the founding organizations of the Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and are proud to still be the host community since the parades inception.
John F. Cryan Association
The Cryan Association was founded in 1960 with the goal of assisting the Irish American community and those in need. It's mission goes on today supported by the Cryan family and friends. The organization is a founding member of the Union County Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee, it's standard bearer, Joseph Cryan, served as the first Parade Chairman and 2023 Grand Marshal.
Joseph Nugent Sr. Association
The Joseph Nugent, Sr. Association is the oldest independent Irish-American Association in the state of NJ. It was founded in 1933 by Joseph and Nora Nugent and a group of friends. The Association is noted for its charitable endeavors such as an annual 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.
John Dawson Gilmary Shea Assembly#651
Dr. John Dawson Gilmary Shea was a historian, born in New York, July 22, 1824; died at Elizabeth, New Jersey, February 22, 1892. The name Gilmary (Servant of Mary) was assumed at a late period of his life. Young Shea was a pupil of the Sisters of Charity, and a graduate of Columbia College grammar school, of which his father was principal. At an early age he became a clerk in a Spanish merchant's office, where he learned to read and write Spanish fluently. Subsequently he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1846. In the following year he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus at Fordham, New York, and remained a member of the order until 1852. He was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Elizabeth, NJ. St. Mary’s is the mother (oldest) church of Union County having been established in 1844.
Kenilworth Veterans Center #2230
New Jersey Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians
The LAOH was originally founded as the Daughters of Erin in 1894. The organization has divisions in 30 states and Washington DC. Their motto is Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. Our patron Saint is Saint Brigid.
Division #4, Elizabeth, of the LAOH was formed in 1907. Members of the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Division proudly celebrated their Centennial in September, 2007. Current division members include National and State officers and the Elizabeth division is very active on the state and national Hibernian scene. There have been many State and National Board officers from the Elizabeth division over their 100 year history.
They welcome all women who are practicing Roman Catholics, and who are Irish by birth or descent, or who are the wife of a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, or the mother of a member of a Junior Division.
McNany Charitable Foundation
The McNany Charitable Foundation uses donations for supplying scholarships to local community High Schools. Each June the foundation presents multiple scholarships to graduating Seniors. The criteria for the selection process is: financial need, excellent community service, sports oriented and high academics. The scholarship opportunities are through the local high school’s Guidance Offices.
Saint Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band
Saint Columcille United Gaelic, Inc. a New Jersey-based cultural and educational organization that provides musical instruction on bagpipes and drums. In addition to supporting a wide variety of Gaelic and Celtic activities and events, the organization primarily sponsors three award-winning pipe bands, the Saint Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band, the Sean McGonigal Memorial Pipe Band and the Columcille School of Pipes and Drums. Saint Columcille has participated in every Union County Saint Patrick's Day Parade since its inception.
Sheridan School of Irish Step Dancing
Sun Tavern
Union County Ancient Order of Hibernians - Daniel O'Connell Division 2
Union County Celtic Festival
The 2025 Union County Celtic Festival will be Saturday, May 3 at the Deutscher Club of Clark 787 Featherbed Ln, Clark, NJ 07066
Union County Daughters of Ireland
The Union County Daughters of Ireland is a non-profit women’s social group. They plan multiple social events throughout the year (happy hours, sporting events, etc.) and host many opportunities to give back to the community (from volunteering at St. Joseph’s or local food banks to donating products, i.e., prom dresses, women’s hygiene products, etc). They meet the second Thursday of the month at different locations and welcome all ladies 18 and over to join our group. Cultivating friendships while honoring Irish heritage and serving the community is their motto and they welcome you to visit their social media pages to find out more about them or feel to contact at daughtersofireland@yahoo.com.
Union County Police & Fire Pipes & 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.