Joan was raised in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx, one of seven children born to William J (Cork) and Mary Virginia Burns Sweeney (Galway). She attended St. Barnabas Grammar School, Our Lady of Victory Academy, and Bronx Community College, where she earned her Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. She went on to Lehman College where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing while working at Misericordia Hospital. Joan met the love of her life, Dermot Moore, in 1978, and they were married in 1983. They have 4 wonderful children and two daughters-in-law: Thomas Ashe (Colleen), Terence MacSweeney, Conor Naughton (Donna), and Margaret OāRourke. Joan has also recently become a proud grandmother to Cormac McConnell, Charles Holt and Rose Mary.
Joan and Dermot moved from Woodlawn to Pearl River in 1984 and became active members of St. Margaretās Church. Joan was instrumental in starting āMoments for Momsā for new families that had just moved to the area to meet people. As her children entered the school system, she became active in the PTA, holding many of the positions up to Vice President. She was a Cub Scout āDenā mother and a Girl Scout Leader for several years. Joan joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in 2004 and again became a very active member of the group, serving in positions up to and including both Division and County President for several years, and she continues to be an integral part of these organizations. Joan also shares her time with the GAA by supporting many of their functions, including coordinating the Mass at the opening of the field. All of her children played Gaelic Football, and she traveled with several teams to Ireland.
Joan worked as a nurse for Clarkstown Pediatrics for 25 years, eventually assuming the position of Head Nurse. She has also been a substitute Nurse at various schools in Rockland. In 2013, she became involved with the Lourdes Kids of Rockland as a Nurse Coordinator, helping to recruit volunteer nurses to travel with children with special needs to Lourdes, France. She also recently had the privilege of traveling with the group, a life-changing experience.
Joan is honored to have been elected as Grand Marshal of the Rockland Parade as she has been a member of the Parade committees herself for many years. Joan was the Journal Chair for the Emerald Ball and is always willing to help wherever needed to ensure the success of an event. Joan comes from a family of strong Irish women. She takes after her mother, who taught her to always help your family, friends, and community as much as possible and just a year ago danced with her to the Stack of Barley for her 100th birthday. Joanās mother-in-law, Mary Holt Moore, was only the second women to lead the St. Patrickās Day parade down Fifth Avenue and taught everyone around her to carry on the traditions of Irish America. Since she appreciates the important role that women have played in the history of Ireland and Irish America, Joan Sweeney Moore is extremely honored to lead the Parade this year in particular, as we celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the founding of the LAOH in America.