Moira Merrigan Kiernan and her family have embedded themselves into the very core of the city they love over the past five generations. While previously honored as an Aide to the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day parade in 2010, she’s now at the front. The parade committee recently announced she’s set to lead her community along McLean Avenue, in commemoration of the rich Irish culture that has been a part of this city for generations.
A Long Standing Tradition
The Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade has origins dating back all the way in the 1800’s. They were interrupted by the World Wars, but revived back in 1956 and have only grown in size since. Likewise, when COVID-19 was in full effect from 2020, the parade was on a hiatus for two years. Though, that only made the experience much sweeter as people were eager to see it return in all its glory.
Roughly 30,000 people make the trip to the McLean Avenue parade. Of these, some even come directly from different parts of Ireland, overall representing 31 counties. It may not be as lavish or lofty an event like the parade in New York City. However, the thousands that attend the Yonkers parade help maintain the community feel it has consistently provided.
The New Grand Marshal of the Parade
Moira Merrigan Kiernan has roots in Yonkers going back nearly 100 years. Her family originally emigrated from counties Down and Armagh, with ties to Killarney in Co Kerry.
She is also a part of several organizations throughout Yonkers that work tirelessly to strengthen our community. Her long list of credentials include being the Chairwoman of the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce and New York Creative Arts Therapy Foundation. She is also an esteemed Board member of St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Finian Sullivan Corporation, Sacred Heart High School’s Board of Advisors, Mount Hope Cemetery Association, Westchester County Bar Foundation, and the Yonkers Community Planning Council and several affordable housing organizations throughout the city.
With a presence of this magnitude within her community, it is no surprise that she has been chosen as Grand Marshal to lead our momentous annual parade to celebrate the Irish culture.
You can see Moira leading the parade on March 23, 2024 down McLean Avenue in south Yonkers. Stay up-to-date with more of our coverage of the parade including a full schedule soon.
