By Paddy McCarthy
First of all I wanted to wish to wish all our readers a very happy Labor Day. The origins of Labor Day can be traced back to the labor union movement, which advocated for better working conditions, fair wages, and improved rights for workers during the late 19th century. One of the key events that led to the establishment of Labor Day in the US was the labor strike and protest in Chicago in 1886, known as the Haymarket affair, which aimed to demand an eight-hour workday.
Now today Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated in the United States on the first Monday in September each year. It honors the contributions and achievements of American workers and the labor movement. Labor Day also marks the unofficial end of summer and is often celebrated with various activities and events.
For many, Labor Day is a time to reflect on the importance of workers’ contributions to society and take a break from their busy routines. Labor unions and worker organizations often hold events to celebrate the achievements of the labor movement and highlight the ongoing efforts to improve workers’ rights and conditions.
So now you got it go out and have some fun as it is the officially the end of Summer, ah, what are we going to do? Enjoy it.
Last Thursday evening while I was Out&About, I was invited to a brilliant event for one of the greatest Irish detectives that ever walked the streets of New York City as it was an event for the Detective Barney Ferguson Emerald Legacy Fund and what a great turnout there was too. Last Thursday 1st Vice President Thomas J. Ryan, Past President Peter F. Whalen, DSNY ES, President Sean O’Neal, NYCD ES, President Tim Cowen, and WPES President John Hynes led the Emerald Delegation from the DSNY ES, FDNY ES, HVPES, MTAPD ES, NYCD ES, NYPD ES, SCPO ES, and WPES to Julianos of New Rochelle for Detective Barney Ferguson’s Emerald Legacy Foundation ‘May Day’ Dinner. Juliano’s was more like ‘McJulianos’ because it was filled with a sea of green.
Congratulations to all the Honorees, including Michael McInnis, NYPD President, NYPD Holy Name Society who was the recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award; Captain Brian J. Sharkey – NYCD (ret.), Past President, NYCD Emerald Society, Past President, Grand Council of United Emerald Societies who was their Irishman of The Year; Lieutenant James McCarthy, FDNY, President, NYC Uniformed Fire Officers Association who was Firefighter of the Year; and the Westchester Safe Streets Task Force – SSRA Brendan Kenney, FBI; SA Mark Vere, FBI; Det. Daniel O’Malley, Greenburgh PD; Det. James Menton, NYPD; Det. Brian Menton, YPD; and Det. Scott Griffith, YPD who were awarded with their Valor Award.
I got this little news piece on The County Cork BP&P Association of NY’s trip back to Cork from the President of the association Thomas Browne and he said this: “I hope everyone is enjoying our summer hiatus as much as the attendees of our Cork City Banquet did August 12th! Two hundred and fifty people or so including dignitaries such as Lord Mayor of Cork City Kieran McCarthy, Deputy Mayor of County Cork Frank O’Flynn, CEO of Cork City Ann Doherty were along with the others on the dais.”
As you can see, I did miss it unfortunately myself as I had another engagement that I could not change , next time though I will be there I promise and I am so sure they all had a great time.
Tom said that they were “especially honored due to the efforts of beloved chaplain Fr. Drew to have the Most Reverend Bishop of Cork & Ross Fintan Gavin and the Most Reverend Bishop of Brooklyn & Queens Robert Brennan -how emblematic of our eternal cross-Atlantic bond!
“Next up, many people (me precisely) since childhood always lament the closing days of summer equating it with the dreaded return of school but fortunately The County Cork BP&P Association of NY will alleviate a wee bit of that vestigial fear with our upcoming ‘Welcome back BBQ’ on September 10!!! Free food, beer and other beverages for Cork Association membership, their friends and prospective members. Please come and enjoy!!!!!!”
Hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About again.