The Irish Echo is today naming the first ten honourees who will be recognized at the Heroes of Irish America gala in Buffalo, NY on Friday 16 May.
For the third time in as many years, the Echo will bring together standout Irish Americans from across the nation in the 'City of Good Neighbours' where local Congressman Tim Kennedy will take on the role of chief host.
The ten honorees are:
The Griffin Family of Buffalo: A big-hearted Buffalo family of seven who have raised over $500,000 for Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Edward P. Seebald: Founding President and CEO of Seebald & Associates International, Ed has over 46 years of experience in maritime leadership and management. He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy with a B.S. in Management and completed post-graduate studies at the United States Naval War College.
Irene Horgan: A Kerry native, Irene is a certified Irish dance teacher and adjudicator, and Director of Connecticut's Horgan Academy of Irish Dance. Irene will serve as Chairperson of the 30th annual Constitution State Feis at Quassy Amusement & Waterpark in Connecticut on August 30th. She is the award-winning author of a Best Seller book entitled 'Celtic Connecticut Connections'
Megan Hayes: An Oncology Nurse Coordinator at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Megan hosts the South Buffalo Irish Festival with her friends in South Buffalo Roots.
Robert Breen: A firefighting poet, Robert retired to Maine from the Boston Fire Department and is a mainstay of the Maine Irish Heritage Center. He dedicated decades to serving on the front lines as a Boston firefighter and District Inspector, a medal and awards recipient, before embracing his passion for writing. His celebrated poem, "The Eighth Circle," first published in The Harvard Summer Review, stands alongside his many award-winning works.
Glenna Rankin: An employee of the New York Power Authority, Glenna is a passionate dancer and advocate for Irish culture. She holds a bachelor's degree in performing arts and has been dancing for over 25 years. Dedicated to building community through movement, she helped establish Jigs and Swigs in Buffalo, NY, blending fitness with traditional Irish dance.
Maureen Mohney: A lifelong Clevelander, Maureen is active in the Irish community as a member of the Cleveland GAA, the St. Patricks’ Day Parade Committee, LAOH and local Irish American Clubs. Maureen joined St. Pat’s GFC in 2001 and is still an active player and board member with Cleveland St. Pat’s-St. Jarlath’s GAA, constantly recruiting players and social members to grow the GAA Community.
Patrick O'Brien: Proud Pittsburgh Patrick is a 24-year member of the city's St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, past chairman and current parade coordinator. He is deeply involved with the Ancient Order of Hibernians and is Past President of Allegheny Division 4. He is also a member of The Irish American Unity Conference.
Denise Murphy McGraw: Haling from Schenectady, NY, Denise is a nationally-recognized public policy advocate, small business owner, community volunteer, and nonprofit leader. She has helped craft laws to improve access to mental health care, increase arts funding, ensure healthy school air quality, combat problem gambling, and enact historic economic development policies.
Pat Costello: From Utica, NY, Pat is a IBEW Local 43 veteran who has held numerous positions in the New York labor movement. He is on the Board of Directors of the Mohawk Valley Irish Cultural Center and three-decade member of the AOH.
Irish Echo publisher Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said interest in the awards has grown every year. "Not for nothing is Buffalo, NY know as 'The Capital of Irish America'," he said. "The local Irish community really roll out the green carpet for the honorees and I know there'll be an especially warm welcome this year for our award recipients who will be travelling to Buffalo from Washington D.C., New York City, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Portland, Maine. This really will be a glittering celebration of the very best of Irish America."
Readers can find out more about the Heroes of Irish America Gala, and purchase tickets, on our web page. Sponsors of this year's event include O'Donnell & Associates and Foras na Gaeilge.
