Out & About

The JFK medal is a joint AOH-LAOH award, the Order's highest, given to a Roman Catholic of Irish birth or descent and outstanding in their field of endeavor. Siobhan is the first woman recipient of the medal.

Past recipients include astronaut James McDivitt, actor Pat O'Brien, mayors Richard J. Daley of Chicago and Raymond L. Flynn of Boston, John Cardinal O'Connor, and Nobel laureate John Hume.

Siobhan is being recognized for providing the AOH National Immigration Committee with assistance and sharing contacts, initiatives and knowledge of the immigration rules and regulations. 

An Irish immigrant herself, Siobhán's work as Executive Director of the EIIC has touched many people's lives. she is the  wife of Dan and mother of two girls Ashling and Cara and is a great community leader.

Siobhán's ability to share so much of herself with so many never ceases to amaze me. Her hard work is only matched by her modesty. 

I believe that this is a wonderful opportunity to show our love and appreciation for Siobhán by supporting the men and ladies of the Ancient Order of Hibernians National Board in their recognition of Siobhán Dennehy.

Congratulations from all at The Irish Examiner newspaper as you know you always have a friend here when ever you need us.

The Donegal Football Club of New York's 62nd Anniversary Banquet will be Saturday 5th June at Greentree Restaurant (5693 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx). Cocktails will begin at 8pm, with dinner following at 9pm.

The 2010 recipient of the Damian Meehan Memorial Award is Keelan McLaughlin. Born in Buncrana, Co. Donegal, he arrived in New York in 1998.

Keelan, COO of Crana Electric, has been a great supporter of the Donegal Football Club has sponsored the Donegal teams for the past six years.

In addition, Keelan has always been ready and willing to assist seasonal players for the Donegal Club with employment opportunities.

The Campbell-Houlihan Award this year goes to Paul McCormack. Born in the U.S., Paul grew up in Donegal, near Ballybofey and played Gaelic Football at school, for the Sean MacCumhaills GAA Club, winning county medals, and for the Donegal Minor Team.

When he emigrated to New York Paul played for the Good Shepherd club run by the late Mike Meehan, Damian's father. He represented the NY Minor Team in the All-Ireland quarter final versus Cork and played for the NY Junior Team.

Paul played both Junior and Senior football for Donegal NY, was a teammate of Damian, and won Footballer of the Year in 1994.

In 1990 Paul joined the NYPD, rising from Officer (42 Pct.) to Sergeant (46 Pct.), Lieutenant (45 Pct.), and Captain (33 Pct.). In 2001 he was made Commander of the 41 Pct., known as Fort Apache, and moved to the 13th Precinct in 2003 after promotion to Deputy Inspector.

Paul retired this year after 20 years of service and receiving over 40 commendations, medals, and awards.

Since 1990 Paul has been a member, and from 1999 to 2009 the President, of the NYPD Gaelic Football Club.

The Club will also honor Senior Player of the Year Tony McMahon, Junior Player of the Year Jack Donnelly, Ladies Player of the Year Alison Kelly, and Young Player of the Year Phil Gasparino. The Club Person of the Year will be announced at the Banquet. Reservations and info are available from (914) 693-1875. Journal information and draw tickets are available from dlcontracting@verizon.com or (917) 882-8038.

I've just heard that Joe Hurley's new CD with Colm McCann is going to be released in Ireland in July and it's already got rave reviews from Rolling Stone magazine's editor. Good on you Joe you deserve it for all the hard work you have been putting in over the years.

We're really please to be able to tell you that the First Vice President of the IBO Sheila Lynott has excepted the honor of being this year's Irish Examiner Newspaper Woman of the Year and we will be having an event in her honor in mid-June so we will keep you posted. Congratulations again Sheila, you've always been a great friend to everyone. Up Longford!

Sir Alex Ferguson, the coach of Manchester United paid a visit to Nevada Smith's last Tuesday and stayed for a while to chat to a lot of the regulars and gave the USA a great chance of coming out of their group with England topping the group. Well, he should know as he is the best manager in the Premier League.

Sirius XM Radio has announced that they will be broadcasting all 64 matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. "The anticipation for the World Cup has been building for four years and for soccer fans there is no bigger event," said Scott Greenstein, Sirius XM's President and Chief Content Officer.  "Sirius XM and its extensive array of channels will deliver every minute of every match, and ensure that fans can follow all the action involving every team from anywhere."

Sirius XM listeners will hear commentary from veteran ESPN broadcasters JP Dellacamera and Tommy Smyth.  Dellacamera has called the last six FIFA World Cups for a variety of television networks as well as the past two Summer Olympic Games. Tommy Smyth has called more than 2,500 international matches from leagues all over the world and has worked three FIFA World Cups.

We are all proud of Tommy Smyth and again he is a great friend of The Irish Examiner newspaper over the short time we have been published and growing every week, thanks Tommy.

Mary McAleese, President of Ireland made a big impact on her visit and was at so many events in the short period of time that she was over here. I was so glad to catch up with the President in the ground floor of Ireland House on Park Avenue. Just to let you all know, she thanked The Irish Examiner newspaper for all the exposure and last week's front cover... so how about that! Even the President of Ireland reads The Irish Examiner here in the US, now what you think?

It was nice to see Jeff Cleary making the rounds down from Albany and also Mary Power, the President of the Cork Association along with Mae O'Driscoll who were all at the reception for the President and not to forget Larry McCarthy, the President of the New York GAA who was also there along with Therese Crowe, the woman for all seasons at Gaelic Park. They must be good friends herself and Larry.

There were so many guests at the reception it was over booked but I did my best for some friends to attend all to no avail, maybe next time... sorry lads.

The Emerald Guild Society are having their annual Vendor Appreciation Evening this Thursday at Connolly's (121 West 45th Street) from 6pm to 9pm. This is a great opportunity to meet all the new members and promote your business and yes, we were invited. Our thanks to Seamus Burke, President and Michael Gubbins of The Emerald Guild Society.

By the time you read this column Bruce Caulfield of Tracks in Penn Station will be after celebrating, yes his 55th Birthday. Happy Birthday Bruce  from all of us at the Irish Examiner newspaper.

Don't forget The Kruise for Kids on Wednesday June 9th.  All aboard at 6pm! aFor tickets call (212) 717-9955 or go to murphguide.com

See you all next week!