2026 Performers
All-Ireland Champion Musicians, Award Winning Dancers, & Surprise Guests
"The best Irish entertainment in NYC on
St. Patrick's Day." – Irish Voice
You will be swept off your feet by the extraordinary talents of our All-Ireland Champion Musicians and Prizewinning Dancers, whose performances are nothing short of mesmerizing. Their passion, skill, and deep-rooted connection to Irish tradition delivered an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe.

John Whelan
7 Time All Ireland Champion Button Accordionist & Sober St. Patrick's Day® Grand Celebration Music Director

Donal Morrissey
Bagpiper
A Grand Crew
Sober St. Patrick's Day ® is powered by a dedicated and passionate team of individuals committed to promoting a safe and inclusive celebration of Irish culture. Our small but mighty team includes event organizers, community outreach specialists, and creative minds who work tirelessly to ensure a memorable St. Patrick's Day experience. With a blend of expertise in event planning, cultural advocacy, and addiction prevention, each team member plays a crucial role in crafting an event that honors Irish heritage while emphasizing responsible and healthy choices. Together, we aim to provide a vibrant and joyful celebration that fosters connections and promotes a positive cultural narrative.

Founder and Chairman
William Spencer Reilly
Sober St. Patrick’s Day ® was created by award-winning theater and television producer, William Spencer Reilly, who almost lost a member of his family to addiction in 2004. He first proposed the idea to leaders in the recovery and Irish American communities, a pitch that led, a year later, to the 2012 inaugural party. Now an annual event, Sober St. Patrick’s Day® is held on parade day in New York City. It continues to grow throughout the world.

Executive Director and Recovery Advocate
Christine Harrington-McShane
Experienced Lifestyle, Health, and Recovery Coaching professional within the Recovery, Health, and Wellness industry. Proven track record developing business opportunities and product adoption. Passionate brand ambassador with the ability to develop mutually beneficial relationships and opportunities. Website and Social Media Designer. Email

Press Officer for Sober St. Patrick's Day ®
John Lee
A "Communicator, Connector, Convener" with roots in Offaly, Clare, and Cork, John stepped off on New York’s “Irish Trail” in earnest 15 years ago when he helped promote the “Bards for St. Brigid’s” fundraiser to save the Lower East Side “Famine Church.” He’d serve on the board of the Irish American Writers and Artists and multiple board roles with the Irish Business Organization of New York, most recently as the IBO’s two-term “pandemic” president.
His efforts in diaspora engagement include moderating Ireland Day at the NYSE, serving as a Belfast Homecoming Ambassador and a New York New Belfast honorary chair, co-hosting with Dublin’s own Martin Nutty the podcast Irish Stew: Conversation for the Global Irish Nation, and serving as press officer for Sober St. Patrick’s Day.
Working as VP with Goodman Media International, John has helped several Irish clients raise their profile in the U.S.

Grand Celebration Music Director
John Whelan
Often hailed as one of the world’s best living Irish button accordion players, seven-time All-Ireland champion John Whelan has been praised for his “humor and high energy blend with impeccable musicianship” by The Wall Street Journal. John embodies the dichotomy of being forward-thinking while still deeply rooted in tradition. He fearlessly explores the creative reaches of music, artistry, and expression while carefully preserving the musical roots from which he originally flourished and passing those on to the next generation.

Grand Celebration Producer
Mark Steele
Producer | Freelance Special Events | Experiential Events | Project Management | Writer | Show Caller | Live Events | Sponsorship | Event Design | Fabrication | Installation | Video Production
Mark Steel has been the producer of the Sober St. Patrick's Day® Grand Celebration for years and we are always grateful for his expertise and dedication.

Video Producer & Director
Edward Roy
With J6 Media Edward's passion is to deliver outstanding video content that propels the mission of his clients forward. With nearly 30 years of experience, leading hundreds of successful video projects, his boundless vision produces award-winning content that consistently archives its goal.

Founder, BBNY Group LLC , Irish Food Expert
Bridget Bray
BBNY Group, LLC is an experiential consultancy with a specialty in designing creative and engaging experiences for audiences. Projects include festivals, conferences, workshops, markets, catering programs, and afternoon tea salons - particularly on food, heritage, and history. From the initial consultation to the final design, content, and implementation, the commitment is to creating meaningful outcomes for all stakeholders. Bridget is also the founder of Puddings and Biscakes
The Board
An Bhord of Sober St. Patrick’s Day plays a crucial role in the governance and decision-making of our mission and events.
Our Bhord consists of individuals appointed and requested to oversee our strategic direction and policies as we grow and create more opportunities to celebrate Irish culture and recovery. Our members are chosen for their expertise and experience in treatment and a passion for all things Irish.
We convene regularly to discuss and decide on important matters such as financial planning, personnel management, and long-term goals. An Bhord functions as a collective decision-making body, aiming to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective leadership within the organization. Our role is pivotal in shaping our mission and success, embodying a unique enthusiasm that are integral to Irish institutions.

















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