By Paddy McCarthy
I could not make it to the unbelievable Detective Barney Ferguson Emerald Legacy Fund fundraiser that I am told was a great success as usual, I wish I could have been there. It was the 9th Annual “10-13” / “May Day” Awards Dinner that was held last Thursday and benefits injured, sick and deceased M.O.S.’ and their families. Their Irishman of the Year award was presented to Det. Peter Whalen – NYPD-ESU (Ret.) and past President of the NYPD Emerald Society and Past President of the Grand Council of United Emerald Societies, who I might teel you is a great supporter of The Irish Examiner USA and we also congratulate you Peter, well done as I am sure it must have been a great evening but again I just could not make it.
These were the other honored guests who also got awards on the evening. The Integrity Award went to SSA Joseph Occhipinti, DOJ–INS (Ret.), NPDF Founder/Director, PO Patrick Hendry, NYPD/President NYCPBA received the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Man of the Year was Det. John Zerafa, NYPD/FBI Human Trafficking TF and DEA Delegate and the President’s Award was presented to the Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester.
A standing-room-only, sold-out crowd met at the New York Irish Center on the evening of August 19 to remember and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the returning of the Catalpa. After some songs and tunes by an excellent traditional band, historian Marcus Howard recounted the details of the planning, coordination, and bravery of the fenians who made and executed the plan to break six fenian prisoners out of Fremantle Prison and bring them from Australia to New York. Many had traveled from all over the North East to hear the story told and to learn about the escape. People came from New Bedford, MA, Hartford, CT, Springfield, MA, and beyond to celebrate the exact 150th anniversary of the ship’s return to New York harbor. At the conclusion of his presentation, Marcus Howard reflected on the moment and said, “We’re not only here tonight to learn about history, but we are here tonight to make history. Coming together to reconnect with the long legacy of these brave and daring fenians reminds us of what is possible. There will only be one 150th anniversary of this event, and we are making sure to mark the moment, and to make sure these stories and this history continue to inspire.”
I just got this in on some sad news that The Officers, Trustees, and Members of the County Cork BP&P Association of New York mourn the passing of Annmarie O’Sullivan, sister of Neil O’Sullivan, a member of the County Cork Association. “The Officers, Trustees, and Members extend their heartfelt sympathies to Annmarie’s family and the extended O’Sullivan family during this difficult time, said Association President Diarmuid Connolly.
I personally would like to give my condolences to the O’Sullivan family 0n the passing of Annmarie, RIP. The Cork Association is also mourning the passing of Denis (Dinny) Carroll, brother of Donie Carroll.
“Dinny was a wonderful person, and we have such fond memories of his trips to New York with the Cork Choir. We remember him proudly marching up Fifth Avenue with the Cork Association, singing ‘The Banks’.
“That was the year the County Cork Association proudly won First Place. Those are wonderful memories of a great man who brought so much pride and joy to the Cork community. Our heartfelt condolences to his children, Ray, Mary, Denis, Rose, and Alan, and to his dear brothers, Pat and Donie. May Dinny rest in heavenly peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
I would also like to pass on my deepest condolences to Donnie and all the Carroll family. On the passing of his brother Denis. I knew him very well and a very nice gentleman he was, RIP.
See you all again next week when I am Out&About again…