The Shannon to Hold Their Own Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day Parade

In 1986, a group of Irish-American Hobokenites met at The Shannon (106 First Street) to discuss possibly marching in the Jersey City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

One thing led to another, and out of that meeting came the first Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day Parade—with The Shannon’s owner Johanna Wall serving as Grand Marshall.

Over the years the Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day Parade became a victim of its own success, with a number of factors leading to its eventual cancellation in 2012—but The Shannon aims to keep the tradition alive in some form.

“We are going to obey all laws,” says Tara Whelan Kovatch, Wall’s granddaughter and current proprietor of The Shannon. “We’ve invited regulars and local Hoboken people to walk with us, meeting us at the PATH at 10:30 and marching to The Shannon.”

Upon reaching the bar*, there will be a moment of silence to honor Nancy Wall Guerin, The Shannon’s former owner, who passed away suddenly in January.

“Wear your green, bring your pride,” says Whelan Kovatch.

*Must be 21+ with valid ID to enter The Shannon

The Shannon marches to honor the memory of former owners Johanna Wall (left) and Nancy Wall Guerin (right).