February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Terry Connaughton was born, raised and educated in the village of Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Like many others in the 1950s, he emigrated to the U.S., living in Inwood for several years before moving to Riverdale. Shortly after arriving here, Connaughton joined the U.S. Army, beginning his tour of duty in Kansas followed by a stint in Germany. After his discharge, he joined the NYPD and remained there for 20 years, retiring in 1977. In 1979, he and his wife, Anne Tuite from Oldcastle, Co. Meath, purchased the Riverdale Steak House, which he considers one of the best decisions he has ever made. The Connaughtons will celebrate their 30th anniversary there in March 2009.
Connaughton has been a very active member of the New York Men’s GAA, headquartered in the Bronx, first as a player and then as an administrator, serving in a variety of capacities including president. In 1991, he held a meeting to organize a ladies Gaelic football team in N.Y., and since then the organization has taken off with five clubs in existence today. After many years as acting president, he was named Honorary Lifetime President of the New York Ladies Board. He has been honored by organizations including the N.Y. GAA, United Irish Counties, Grand Council of Emerald Society, Roscommon Society and Football Club, Bronx Community College, Francis Schervier Nursing Home and Bronx Borough President, Fernando Ferrer. In 1986, he served as an aide to the Grand Marshal for the St Patrick’s Day parade.
Connaughton and his wife, Anne, have five children: Terry Jr., Eileen, Mary-Anne, Eamon and Donal; and eleven grandchildren (with another two on the way.)