The annual celebration of Irish Heritage & Culture that’s held in New York City Hall a few days after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, took place Tuesday, March 19th, 2019, from 6 pm to 830 pm in the Council Chambers. 
After a emotional musical introduction by local Irish trio Celtic Cross, a rousing procession by the NY Fire Department’s Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, kicked off the celebration.
City Council member Daniel Dromm gave the welcoming remarks and Sheila Horgan sang the United States and Ireland’s national anthems. Then Monsignor James Kelly gave a heartfelt invocation where he addressed this year’s parade theme of celebrating the country’s history of welcoming immigrants to its shores, whether they be Irish, Hispanic or Middle Eastern.
Then the focus shifted to the presentation of the 2019 Thomas J. Manton Irish Person of the Year Award to United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew.
The event also honored three outstanding Irish New Yorkers who made their presence felt this year including:
• Hon. James P. O’Neill
Commissioner
New York City Police Department
• Dr. Kathleen Sullivan
2017 Nobel Peace Laureate
• Sean Lane
Chairman, NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Before the presentation began, a tasty sampling of appetizers including Irish sausages and, of course, potatoes. were among the treats that satisfied the full house in attendance.