By Paddy McCarthy
I am told that the visit of the Cork Association to Cork City was a total success from all end from start to finish. I wish I could have traveled over with them but I was bogged down with so much work here at The Irish Examiner USA preparing our next issue.
The Lord Mayor of Cork Kieran McCarthy gave a great welcome to all the visitors who traveled over from the USA, as did the Mayor of the County of Cork, Clle. Frank O’Flynn and other city and county representatives. The Lord Mayor of Cork City sang one of Cork’s favorite songs “The Banks of my own lovely Lee”, now that was some welcome for the two distinguished Corkonian guests of honor Maureen Forrest, founder of the Hope Foundation and Denis Mulcahy, founding member of Project Children.
It was a two-day event as the famous Pav club on Patrick Street on Friday sponsored Denis’s documentary on Project Children, “How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story” narrated by Liam Neeson and directed by Des Henderson. The following evening was the Cork Association’s annual dinner held at the Roachestown Park Hotel with over 300 guests attending.
We here at The Irish Examiner USA would also like to congratulate all the organizers and volunteers and both Maureen Forrest and Denis Mulcahy on a well-deserved honor, well done to all.
This sad notice came to me from the United Irish Counties Association of New York on the passing of a great Irishman that was very well respected in the Irish community: Anthony “Tony” Creaney passed away peacefully on Thursday August 10. He was born in Belfast, Co Antrim, before emigrating to New York City and settling in the Bronx.
Predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Ann, and sons, Patrick and Noel, Anthony is survived by his daughter Kathleen (Kevin), grandchildren Shana, Nicholas, Patrick (Jenna), Gineann (John), and Regina (Andrew), and great-grandchildren Ewan and Emmitt. As the patriarch of a large and close-knit family, he is also survived by brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Anthony served in the US Army during the Korean War and followed that with a career as a NYPD sergeant until being hurt in the line of duty in 1977. He was active in community leadership and volunteer work in the Bronx, particularly at the VA Hospital where he volunteered for 15 years. Although Anthony was proud to become an American, and a staunch supporter of the VFW, his heart and soul were always at home in Ireland.
His active participation in many Irish organizations and causes will be how he will be most remembered. From the early days of the Gaelic League, to the NYPD Emerald Society, to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, to the Antrim Society and the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Anthony never lost sight of the country and culture that made him who he was.
A proud native of Belfast, Co Antrim, Tony, as he was known to family and friends, was a longtime member and past president of the County Antrim Society of New York, a position he held for numerous years. In that time, he was a dedicated delegate to the UICANY, and he and his beloved Ann (RIP) were loyal supporters of the UICANY Dinner Dance each January.
When health (and mobility) permitted, Tony also loved to volunteer at UICANY’s annual Feis each June. He was as much a traveler as he was a homebody. He enjoyed seeing new sights and trying new foods as much as he enjoyed simply reading the Daily News over his morning oatmeal and tea.
Reposing was Tuesday from 3-7 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home (6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY). Mass and burial is this Wednesday, August 16 at 1 pm at the Woolworth Chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in memory of Tony and Ann Creaney to the Irish Music Scholarship which will send music students to Irish Arts Week. “Bergin Scholarship Fund” C/O Michelle Bergin, 272 East 237th Street Apt 1D Bronx, New York 10470.
I would also personally like to send my condolences to the Creaney family, may he rest in Peace. Thank you. Catherine T. Hogan, Corresponding Secretary and Michael O’Reilly, President United Irish Counties Association of New York for sending me this information.
Hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About again.