Kevin Brannigan and Jamie Goldrick, whose top rated RTE Irish television documentary NORAID: IRISH AMERICA AND THE IRA is already being hailed as a major contribution to Irish and American history, will be special guest speakers at this year’s Bronx County Ancient Order of Hibernians Awards Dinner. Denis P. Mulcahy, following honors in Ireland on the 50th anniversary of Project Children, New York State AOH President Thomas Beirne, and Margaret Dixon, who together with her late husband Chris made outstanding contributions to Irish Northern Aid during the Troubles, will be honored with ‘Spirit of 1916’ Awards, on Sunday November 23rd, from 3pm to 7pm at Rory Dolan's, located at 890 McLean Avenue, Yonkers.
HONOREES
Denis P. Mulcahy, is being honored for his leading role in Project Children, which brought more than 23,000 young Catholic and Protestant children from the six counties to America during the years of conflict. A Cork native, Denis is a retired NYPD Detective, decorated with a Medal of Valor. He has been awarded the AOH John F. Kennedy Memorial Medal, NYPD Emerald Society’s Man of the Year, Benemerenti Medal from Pope John Paul II, the Cardinal Cooke Right to Life award, a Presidential Commendation from Ronald Reagan and a Presidential Distinguished Service Award from Irish President Michael D. Higgins. Denis will be formally honored in Ireland as part of a special ceremony in which the records and memorabilia of the Project Children program will be archived at the Monaghan Peace Campus.
Thomas Beirne is the New York State AOH President. During his 41 years as a Hibernian, he has held many national committee chairs, state and division offices, and is also a member of the County Leitrim Society, Knights of Columbus, American Irish Historical Society, American Irish Association of Westchester and Volunteer on NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade for close to 50 years. He led both the AOH’s, 100th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising, and the 200th Anniversary of old St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Margaret Dixon, together with her late husband Chris and family volunteered to open their home to house and transport key Irish Republicans like former H-Block prisoners like Fra McCann and Ciaran Nugent, at crucial times leading up to the Hunger Strike campaigns among others. Margaret Dixon, and Chris assisted by children Chris, Jr. and Cathy, made vital contributions which will be remembered with honors at the event.
HISTORY MAKING DOCUMENTARY
Director Kevin Brannigan and Producer Jamie Goldrick in their top-rated RTE broadcast documentary NORAID: IRISH AMERICA AND THE IRA, uncovered a chapter of Irish history which many wanted forever hidden. It tells how Irish Americans, over a quarter century, overcame opposition, indeed vilification by the British, Irish and American governments, to deliver vital political backing and publicity for the Irish struggle, and millions of dollars for prisoners’ families.
TICKETS
The event will take place on Sunday November 23rd, from 3pm to 7pm at Rory Dolan's, located at 890 McLean Avenue, Yonkers. Music will provided by Mary Courtney, Marie Barrett and Dessie Groark.
Dinner tickets are $100 and reservations are highly recommended. For tickets or information about congratulating the honorees in the souvenir journal please call 718-597-6327, or email jacksligo@optonline.net, or 917-715-8177, boyledenis605@gmail.com
Slan
Martin Galvin