We are now in full swing for the new year of 2019 and a lot will be happening this year and I hope it will turn out to be all good for you.
Kicking the year off we have the Irish Business Organization with their first meeting and their newly elected executive board. January’s evening meeting will feature guest speaker Mike Greenly – business writer, speech coach, and former Fortune 500 marketing and communications VP this Wednesday.
Networking starts at 6:30 pm and the meeting starts at 7:15 pm at Glucksman Ireland House (1 Washington Mews).
Join them for an interactive presentation as Mike explains how he helps his clients and their teams to sound like themselves … only better. He will share valuable insights about being effective and comfortable on-stage. The content from his presentation is from training workshops he created for ExxonMobil, Roche, Patrón Sprits and other organizations.
At the meeting the 2019 Executive Board will be sworn in. The board are: President: Nicholas Malito; First Vice President: Shelley Ann Quilty-Lake; Second Vice President: John Lee; Secretary: Anne Marie O’Dea; Treasurer: James Frawley; Membership Officer: Joseph Cieplinski; and Communications Officer: Bridget O’Brien.
There is another big night coming up and that is the United Irish Counties Association of New York’s 115th Annual Dinner Dance which will be held on Friday January 25th at Antun’s (96-43 Springfield Boulevard in Queens Village). The deluxe cocktail hour begins at 7.30 pm followed by dinner and dancing from 8.30 pm to 12.30 am. Music will be provided by Rumor has It.
This year’s honorees are Gael of the Year Patrick J. McGowen from Sligo, CEO of McGowen Builders and COB of Solace House. Michael F. Prunty is the Rose Cosgrove Distinguished Service awardee. A Longford native, Michael is also a past president of the UICA and the County Longford Association.
Tickets are $100 per person with tables of ten available for $1000. For reservations contact Catherine T. Hogan at (646)489-5258 and for journal advertising call Michael O’Reilly on (646) 634-5087. You can also email unitedirishcounties@gmail.com for more information.
Let me tell yea, this is going to be a great night and with the King family of Antun’s looking after the event you could not ask for anything better.
It’s all happening in New Jersey for Saint Patrick Day with the 2019 Dignitaries and Grand Marshal Patrick Kelly.
The Rutherford Irish American Association will be having its 2019 Grand Marshal Gala on January 18th from 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm with doors opening at 7pm. The dinner will be at The Fiesta (255 NJ-17, Wood-Ridge, New Jersey).
For tickets, please go to their website at www.riaagala2019.enventbrite.com.
Patrick Francis Kelly was born on January 5, 1936 in Kiltimagh, County Mayo Ireland. He was the 4th of nine children born to Kate and Tom Kelly. He left Ireland in 1954 to work in Southampton, England doing construction. He then later went to Durham, and then to Wales where he worked in tunnels.
In 1959 he emigrated to America, living in Jersey City where he worked in various jobs including warehouses; this is where he met his best friend, the late Paddy Sweeney.
He owned the Shillelagh Pub in North Bergen for 8 years. Pat then started Superior Construction in Jersey City and from there he went on to become a Local 580 Ironworker. In 1996, he and Dave Finucane started Piermount Ironworks and later retired in 2016.
Deputy Grand Marshal John Sullivan was born in Fermoyle (Sneem) County Kerry, Ireland. He was born May 19, 1944 and is 1 of 7. He left Ireland at the age of 15 in 1960 to England.
John left England for the United States in 1963 at the age of 18 and resided in Jersey City. John is married to his lovely wife Bridget (nee Gaine) since 1966, they have three wonderful sons: Tim, John and Patrick and have seven beautiful grandchildren; Katie, Sean, Daniel, Bridget, Brenna, Patrick, and Devyn.
John originally worked as a Sandhog for four years before becoming an employee at Thumanns where he is still currently employed. John has been instrumental in the Irish community by providing employment to many Irish who came to the United States throughout the years and continues to do so today.
As I said if you would like to attend or support the Rutherford Irish American Association then please go to their website. They also have a big Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 3rd on Park Avenue in Rutherford, New Jersey and all are welcome as it is a big one .
See you all next week when I am Out&About again.