Report. By Brad balfour, Arts Editor
On Wednesday, June 10, 2026 over 100 people boarded the Spirit of New York at Pier 62, Chelsea Piers in New York City. For over four and a half hours of an open bar, all-you-can-eat buffet, six live music acts, and beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, the guests came away from this year’s New York Celtic Cruise exhausted but happy. The weather was good, the music loud and –– thanks to a chef-prepared buffet dinner with an expansive menu of meats, fish and sumptuous vegetables –– all were sated. There’s was even an endless Smugglng Nun Potin shots available from a habit-clad server.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 7 hosted their annual fundraising gala aboard the local cruise ship to benefit the Emerald Isle Immigration Center again this summer. As Chairman and NYC based filmmaker Sean Claffey noted, “It sold out because I think we got the word out early this year. First and foremost it is a very fun event so people love coming back. Also helping support immigration and the American dream alive is a potent mix.”
Attendees included such notable members of the local Irish community as Dennis Mulcahy, Podcaster John Lee, our own Publisher Paddy McCarthy, Ireland’s Consul General Gerald Angley, Vice Consul Deniz Ozturk, Niall O’Leary, Noelle Clancy, Jacqueline Baxter, Siobhan Dennehy and a host of others.
Also in attendance were AOH National President Sean Pender, and these Emerald Isle Immigration Center Board of Directors —John F. Tully, Esq., Chair Eddie Boles, President,Daniel Dromm, Treasurer, Seán O’Dowd, Member Brian O’ Dwyer, Esq., and Chair Emeritus, Mae O’Driscoll, Co-Founder and Trustee.
The cruise also included entertainment from Irish and Irish-American bands who generously donated their time, treasure, and talents. These included The Brooklyn Bards, The Narrowbacks, Amadans, Celtic Blend, Murphy’s Lawyer, Mary O Musicians, and the Shay Mac Band. There were incredible New York City skyline views thanks to the fine weather making the open-air exterior decks the place to hang out. Later as the bands kicked in, the crowd came into the climate-controlled interior to rock out. There were also special Irish dance appearances by Kaitlyn Sardin and Niall O’Leary hitting the dance floor.
As Claffey explained, “I got involved in 2000 when It was Kruise for Kids that benefited Project Children, helping out loading beer on to the ship. It was such a great party that I got more involved in the Hibernian organization that started the event. After years of volunteering, that charity got fully funded by the Irish, English and American governments. They didn’t need the event anymore. Many people said we should let it go. But John Tully and myself founded another charity. After interviewing several, we picked Emerald Isle Immigration Center.”
There were also $10 raffle tickets to be had with the winners drawn onboard. Thanks to the 2026 sponsors — Aer Lingus, CIE Tours, and Stout Hospitality — there was a first prize winner receiving a “Holiday in Ireland for Two” courtesy of Aer Lingus and CIE Tours. The second prize was a “Dine Around NYC/NJ for Two” dinner for two at one of Stout Hospitality’s restaurants.
The beneficiary of this year’s cruise was the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, which now has offices in both Queens and the Bronx. EIIC has a long history of helping new immigrants transition into their communities while learning about the culture and history of the United States. EIIC staff and volunteers conduct outreach and provide vital information and resources to immigrants throughout New York City.
Over the last decade, Celtic Charities –– the philanthropic arm of AOH New York Division 7 –– has raised close to $50,000 annually in unrestricted operating funds through event and raffle ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations. These critical funds support EIIC’s free programs and services to the Irish diaspora and immigrants from more than 63 countries. EIIC reaches approximately 35,000 clients each year and has historically served individuals from 130 nations.
Said Claffey: “There has never been a more important time than now to help Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EEIC.) It’s a not-for-profit organization that provides essential services to the immigrant community of New York. EIIC was born out of the Irish immigration movement founded in 1988.”
As EIIC continues to expand its legal, educational, employment, and health-related services, the organization is actively seeking new sources of funding. It’s working with elected officials and nonprofit partners in the Bronx and Queens to highlight the essential role these programs play in strengthening immigrant communities.
The event organizer –– The Ancient Order of Hibernians –– is a Catholic, Irish American Fraternal Organization founded in New York City in May of 1836. The Order can trace its roots back to a parent organization of the same name which has existed in Ireland for over 300 years. However, while the organizations share a common thread, the North American A.O.H. is a separate and much larger organization. The vast influx of Irish Immigrants fleeing famine in Ireland during the late 1840s, prompted a growth of various social societies in the USA — the largest of which was, and continues to be, the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Active across the United States, The Order seeks to aid the newly arrived Irish, both socially and politically. The many divisions and club facilities located throughout the U.S. traditionally have been among the first to welcome new Irish Americans. Here, the Irish culture — art, dance, music, and sports — are fostered and preserved. The newcomers can meet some of “their own” and are introduced to the social atmosphere of the Irish-American community.
The AOH has been at the political forefront of issues concerning the Irish, such as; immigration reform; economic Incentives both here and in Ireland; the human rights issues addressed in the MacBride Legislation; right-to-life; and a peaceful and just solution for the issues that divide Ireland.