Every year, Bayonne, New Jersey, comes together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a way that truly brings the community to life.
This year is no different, as the city prepares for its 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
No matter the weather, the parade will go on, rain or shine, starting at 1:00 PM.
The parade will begin at Broadway and 5th Street, go north to 39th Street, turn west to Avenue C, and end at Stephen R. Gregg/Bayonne County Park.
As always, the streets will be lined with families, friends, and neighbors, all coming together to celebrate Irish heritage, music, and tradition.
People who want to march in the parade can apply now, and the full list of marchers will be posted one week before the event on the parade’s website and social media.
If anyone has questions, they can contact Parade Coordinator Gabrielle Figueroa at (551) 208-4486.
- The Bayonne St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM, rain or shine, from Broadway and 5th Street, ending at Stephen R. Gregg/Bayonne County Park.
- The parade will recognize key Irish-American figures, including Grand Marshal Mary Hurley Cole and aides from various Irish organizations, celebrating their contributions to the community.
- Leading up to the parade, there will be a Mass, a brunch, a city flag-raising ceremony, and a post-parade party to bring the community together in honor of Irish traditions.
Honoring Irish-American Leaders in Bayonne
One of the most special parts of the parade is celebrating leaders in the Irish-American community.
This year, the honor of Grand Marshal goes to Mary Hurley Cole, a respected teacher, dedicated community member, and proud Irish-American.
Grand Marshal: Mary Hurley Cole
Mary Hurley Cole’s life has been deeply connected to education, faith, and Irish culture.
She was born to Eleanor and Jeremiah Hurley in Jersey City, with strong Irish roots from County Clare and County Cork.
After attending St. Michael’s grammar and high schools, Mary earned her degree from Jersey City State College and spent 33 years teaching in Catholic schools, including St. Mary Star of the Sea, St. Andrew’s, and All Saints Catholic Academy in Bayonne.
For 30 years, Mary was married to the late Bob Cole, and together they raised three children: MaryBeth DiDonna (married to Dan), Elle Gallagher (married to Brian), and Robert Cole Jr. (married to Kelsey).
She is also the proud grandmother of Caroline DiDonna, Mickey Gallagher, and Charlie Gallagher.
Beyond her family and career, Mary is an active member of many Irish organizations, including the Bayonne Donegal Association, the Irish American League, and the Shamrock Society.
She co-chairs the Shamrock Society and helps organize “Bob’s Birthday Bash,” a special event that raises money for a $1,000 scholarship given to a Catholic high school student.
Every year, her house on 39th Street becomes the go-to spot before the parade, where family and friends gather for food, fun, and great company.
Aides to the Grand Marshal
Along with the Grand Marshal, several other community members have been chosen as Aides to the Grand Marshal, representing different Irish organizations in Bayonne.
Elle Cole Gallagher is being honored by the Irish American League.
She was born on March 12, 1987, the daughter of Grand Marshal Mary Hurley Cole and the late Bob Cole.
After high school, Elle joined AmeriCorps and spent a year helping rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
Today, she works for Hudson County’s Public Training Center.
Elle is married to Brian Gallagher, a detective in the Jersey City Police Department. They have two sons, Mickey and Charlie.
Over the years, she has been named Irish Woman of the Year twice, in 2017 and 2019.
The County Cork Association is recognizing Maribeth Conway Hess.
She lived in Bayonne for 62 years before moving to West Point Island, Lavallette, NJ.
She worked as a teacher for 40 years, mostly at Henry E. Harris School, before retiring in 2014.
Her grandparents came from County Cork and County Sligo, and she has always been deeply proud of her Irish roots.
The Shamrock Society has chosen Kathy Ward Harden.
A lifelong Bayonne resident, she has worked at Bayonne Community Bank for 24 years.
She is a dedicated parishioner of St. Henry’s Church, serving as a trustee, finance committee member, and Eucharistic minister.
Kathy is married to Laurence Harden of Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland, and is the proud mother of Conor Harden and Moira Harden Wright.
Moira Harden Wright, representing the Donegal Association, is a teacher at Horace Mann Community School.
She is also very involved in St. Henry’s Parish and the Bayonne Irish Festival Committee.
She is married to Michael Wright, whom she calls her biggest supporter and best friend.
Exciting Events Leading Up to the Parade
The parade isn’t the only way to celebrate Irish culture and community spirit.
There are several events leading up to the big day!
The Mass of Saint Patrick will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, 82 West 29th Street, Bayonne, NJ.
Following the Mass, the Grand Marshal Brunch will be held at The Chandelier, 1081 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ.
Tickets are available through Sue Sweeney at (201) 388-6509 or [email protected].
On Friday, March 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM, the City Flag Raising Ceremony will take place at City Hall, 630 Avenue C, Bayonne, NJ.
This is a special event where the Irish flag will be raised in honor of the Irish-American community.
After the parade on March 23, everyone is invited to the Post-Parade Party at St. Vincent’s Robinson Hall, 979 Avenue C, Bayonne, NJ, from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Tickets cost $20 per adult, while kids under 16 can attend for free.
Those interested in reserving tickets can contact Kathleen Figueroa at [email protected] or (551) 556-3273.
