Rosemarie Byrne
What motivated you get involved in your community? From a young age, my parents were involved in the Irish American Society in Mineola, and I joined as a member as well when I was old enough to be eligible. When I had my children, I wanted to make sure they had as much access as I had had to the Irish side of their heritage, and I became even more involved in the Irish community though their activities. Irish Dancing lessons with Donny Golden and starting the Long Island Gaels Gaelic Football Club expanded our network in the area. In addition to my roles at the Irish American Society and my husband's involvement in the AOH with the activities we were able to provide our children a culturally rich environment and an appreciation for their Irish roots.
How do you think your community work has brought about positive change? Even though my children have outgrown their own feisanna days and their Gaelic football games, we have not outgrown our involvement in the organizations themselves. The Irish American Society is still a thriving organization here on Long Island that provides a venue for the promotion and preservation of Irish music, dancing, and culture and I have been proud to serve on the Board of Directors for more years than I can count. My family and I enjoy seeing the next generation of dancers, musicians, and athletes learning about and appreciating what their Irish heritage has to offer them and doing our part to help ensure that these avenues exist for many years to come.
Has your job or profession helped in your community work? I have held quite a few different jobs over the course of my career. Initially, being more computer-focused, my knowledge of computers helped with organization of many of the groups I was involved in. I have always been interested in, and had an aptitude for, photography, and often took photos to document and promote the events we hosted. Having to be adaptable in many different roles professionally has allowed me to fill many different roles within my organizations, depending on their needs at the time.
Something people would be surprised to know about me... I tend to be an open book and people aren't usually surprised by anything I do at this point.
Biography: Rosemarie was born in the Bronx to James and Sheila Horohoe, who were born in Roscommon and Mayo respectively. Upon moving to Long Island, her parents become involved in the Irish American Society in Mineola, and Rosemarie followed in their footsteps. She married a Roscommon man, Michael Byrne, and had four children, in whom they sought to instill the same love of Irish culture they had grown up with. While her children may have outgrown the constant rotation of Irish Dance classes and Gaelic Football games, she is excited to introduce these to the next generation, starting with her granddaughter.
