A YUM Publication
No. 6 Vol. 4
APRIL 2024
The IAANWJ: Keeping Irish Culture Alive
T
by, Elsie Walker
his year, the Irish American Association of North West Jersey (IAANWJ) marks its 50 th anniversary. “To celebrate our heritage, enjoy it, and share with the rest of the world, “said Jack Regan of West Milford when asked about the mission of the association. Located in Rockaway, the association offers classes for young and old and events for those who want to learn more about the Irish culture and have fun. A person doesn’t have to be Irish to join and members come from all over the state. Recently, Regan and Maureen Murphy Quinn, of Succasunna talked about the organization and gave a peek at its 50 th anniversary celebration later in the year. As noted on its website ( https://www.iaanwj. com), the association came about as a result of so many Irish coming into the northwest New Jersey area as well as people of that decent already living here. They wanted to preserve the culture while also bringing awareness of the Irish contribution to America. The association was founded in 1974 and first met at St. Mary’s School in Wharton. In 1977, the association bought the Mt Pleasant School on Richard Mine Road in Rockaway Township to be its clubhouse. Regan, who is the Seargent at Arms of the association and a 25- year member, shared some of the various educational offerings of the association aimed at sharing Irish culture and traditions. There is a book club which reads books that are connected to Ireland by subject or author. There are Irish dancing classes for both adults and children. In Celtic Art classes, people can learn to make traditional Irish things. For example, in February, they made straw St. Bridget’s Crosses. The crosses are a symbol of Ireland and found in many Irish homes. Regan said that the art class’ next project is working on something in copper. Other classes include Celtic knitting and Gaelic language classes. Regan shared that Gaelic is still spoken in parts of Ireland. There are music classes in tin whistle and flute for children and in fiddle, Celtic Harp and Uillean (elbow) harp for adults. The Celtic Harp is another symbol of Ireland. For information, call the cultural committee at 201-321-6706 or email ajhack1@aol.com The association is involved in different events during the year. With the Friendly Sons, it co- sponsors the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Morristown. After
the parade, there is a party at the association clubhouse. Every fall, it has a feis (festival), an Irish dance competition at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. There’s a Christmas Hooly (gathering of people getting together for fun)at the clubhouse in the beginning of December. There they tell stories, have music, and celebrate the holiday. Also, every month, there is Irish Set dancing (like square dancing) at the clubhouse. Those who want to join the association must be at least 18 years old. Annual member dues for individuals (at least 18 years old) are individual $25, married couple $30, individual senior (65 and over) $15, and married seniors $25. Murphy Quinn, a charter member, shared her background and gave a glimpse at how the association may celebrate its golden anniversary. Not only does Murphy Quinn have her own Irish roots (through her parents) but her husband is Irish, too.
She lectures in Irish history and is working on a book about Irish women. She noted that the IAANWJ had its first meeting in September 1974. Being in the fall, though nothing is set yet, she sees the anniversary celebration as being connected with Halloween. Halloween is a holiday that was exported from Ireland. It is based on Samhain, Celtic New Year Year’s Eve. “[when] …the veil between overworld and underworld is the thinnest” explained Murphy Quinn. In Ireland, carved out turnips with candles in them were set out to guide souls; when they came to America, the Irish started using the pumpkins native to this land. Many other Halloween traditions are also rooted in Irish lore. While they say St. Patrick’s Day is a great day for the Irish, Halloween might just be a grand day this year for the IAANWJ.