About Us
2024 Executive Board
The Bergen Irish Association (BIA) was founded in June 1964 to preserve and celebrate Irish culture and tradition in Bergen County, NJ.
John O'Shea
President
Michael Ruane
Vice President
John hails from Kenmare, Co. Kerry. As a member of the association for over thirty- two years and has served as President, Vice President, Member of The Board of Directors and Board of Trustees. Chairperson of the Annual March St. Patrick's Day Gala & Journal. Co-Chairperson of The Annual Golf Classic.
Michael is a proud Mayo man, hailing from Louisburgh. He has served as Financial Secretary, member of the Board of Directors, and on the Entertainment Committee. Michael was instrumental in starting the monthly card games which invited neighboring Irish clubs to participate. He has also served as coach and referee for St. Josephs Gaelic Football Club.
Ann Viru
Treasurer
Anne was born and raised in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick and immigrated to America in 1993. Anne is Treasurer, Co-Chair of the March Gala and Journal Committee. Assists with the Golf Classic, Post Parade Party and Instillation Dance.
Sally Roche
Financial Secretary
Good & Welfare
​Sally is from New Inn, Co. Galway. Sally had been a vital member of the Ladies Auxiliary for over 32 years and had held many positions before the Ladies Auxiliary merged with the Association. Presently serves as Financial Secretary, Co-Chair of the March Dance & Journal Committee, assists with the newsletter, Deceased Members Mass, Children’s Christmas Party, Golf Classic and events.
Noel O'Shea
Building Committee Chair
Jozie McGrath
Recording Secretary
Born and raised in Kilmallock Co. Limerick and immigrated to America in 1992. Presently, Recording Secretary. Co-Chair of the March Dance & Journal Committees. Co-Chair of the Food Pantry. Assists with the Golf Classic and events.
Donna Cahill
Correspondence Secretary
Mary Lynch
Membership Secretary
Mary Cavanagh-Lynch’s Irish heritage comes from Counties Clare & Mayo. Presently, Membership Secretary, Co-Chair Scholarship Dance Committee, Chairperson Off to The Races Derby. Assists with The Golf Classic, Membership drives, Wine Tastings & Off To The Races Kentucky Derby events,
Michael Kevin Collins
Sergeant-at-Arms
Noel hails from Waterville, Co. Kerry and lives in Dumont. Has been a member since 1983. Has held the position as Past Vice President and member of the Board of Directors. Noel is currently the Chairman of the Building Committee since 1991. Noel has been instrumental on all journal committees for the past 20 years.
Kathleen Collins-McMorrow
Board of Directors
Good & Welfare
Kathleen hails from Co. Kerry. Former Financial Secretary, Co-Chairperson Annual St. Patrick's Day Gala, Committee member for the Annual Golf Classic and various functions. Recording Secretary for affiliate St. Joseph's Gaelic Football Club.
Maureen Donegan
Board of Directors &
Cultural Center Rental
Maureen's Irish heritage is from Quilty & Creegh, County Clare and Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. Presently, Member of Board of Directors and manages the rental bookings for the Cultural Center. Co-Chair of the March Dance & Journal Committee, Chairperson of the Annual Flannagan-Donegan Atlantic City Fundraiser, assists with The Golf Classic and events.
Daria McCabe
Board of Directors
Tadhg Donegan
Board of Trustees
Bobby Power
Board of Trustees
Bobby was born in Bronx, NY & raised in Kilmacthomas Co. Waterford. Immigrated to America in 1980. Presently, a member of the Board of Directors, served on the Board of Trustees. Past President of Waterford Association, Co-Chair March Dance & Journal Committee. Bergen Irish Association’s 2021 Person of The Year.
Gerry Ginley
Board of Trustees
Hails from Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan. Presently, a Member of Board of Trustees. Served on the Board of Directors. Co-Chair of the March Dance & Journal, Golf Classic, Building Dance Committees. Assists with events.
