"Being Irish is very much part of who I am. I take it everywhere with me". - Michael G Bannon

The Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee are proud to announce Michael G. Bannon as the 2026 Parade Grand Marshal.

Bannon was born and raised in Rockaway Township. His parents, Edward and Emma were World War II veterans. His Grandfather, George, was a police officer in Essex County serving in the Boulevard or Motorcycle Division.

He traces his Irish lineage back to his paternal Great Grandfather, William, believed to be from County Tipperary, who was born on a steamship leaving Ireland during the Potato Famine.

Mike was very excited and honored for the selection. “I’m honored and somewhat overwhelmed by the response from friends and family for selection.

”Bannon is a member and former president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris County and the Irish American Association of Northwest Jersey. He has been involved in the parade for over 30 years since it moved to Morristown in 1991.

Mike resides in Landing, he is the father of Danielle Krause and Ryan Bannon who will march with him along with his siblings Richard, Bruce, Patricia and Mary.

Publicity Coordinator Mike Leavy commented on Bannon’s selection. “Mike’s passion for Irish culture and his dedication to the parade make this a long overdue honor. We can’t wait to march behind him in Morristown.”

Bannon has shown this passion leading an annual cleanup of the abandoned St. Patrick’s cemetery in Upper Hibernia, NJ which has graves of immigrants from the 19th century that worked the mines in the area.

Mike is an ardent volunteer sitting as Vice Board Chairman for DAWN Center for Independent Living as well as the Knights of Columbus Ambassador for ARC Morris. He is a former Grand Knight in the Morristown Knights of Columbus. He retired from the Private Security industry during the Pandemic where he worked in Management and Sales.

The 2026 Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at 12 pm on March 14, 2026 in Morristown, please go to paradeday.com for updates and upcoming events.

Contact info@paradeday.com or 973-800-2709 with any questions or requests.