By: Richard L. Smith
Essex County officials gathered this week to recognize the contributions of Irish Americans during the county’s annual Irish Heritage Celebration, according to a statement released by county leaders.
Hosted by Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. on March 25, the ceremony honored Msgr. Joseph R. Reilly as the 2026 Essex County Irishman of the Year and Susan H. Gartland, a longtime leader with the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade, as Irishwoman of the Year.
Officials said the event highlights the lasting impact Irish residents have had on Essex County’s cultural, civic, and economic development.
Reilly, who became president of Seton Hall University in 2024, was recognized for his leadership in higher education and his longstanding service within the Archdiocese of Newark.
A native of Mountainside, he has spent decades in ministry and education, helping strengthen the university’s Catholic identity.
Gartland was honored for a lifetime of public service and community involvement.
A former Caldwell mayor and councilwoman, she has remained active in civic life and currently plays a key leadership role in organizing the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade, helping preserve one of the region’s most recognized Irish traditions.
County officials noted that the annual celebration is part of a broader effort to recognize the diverse backgrounds that shape Essex County’s communities and workforce.