February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The fair, organized by the Irish American Building Society Charities, Inc. for the benefit of the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, is billed a two-day family friendly celebration of Irish culture, music and dance.
Kevin Burke, President, Chairman & CEO of Consolidated Edison will preside as the fair’s Chief Brehon with Kerry Dineen of St. Savior’s High School in Park Slope serving as Colleen Queen.
As always, the fair is an opportunity to honor those who serve either or both Catholic education and the Irish community. This year’s Thomas Cuite Award will be presented to Martin Brennan, Brooklyn resident and chief of staff for Senator Charles E. Schumer.
The Kathleen Slattery Woman of the Year is Sr. Margaret Dempsey, the president of Catherine McCauley High School, Brooklyn.
Attorney Timothy Driscoll will accept the Paul O’Dwyer Award while the 2009 Bard Award goes to Chris Lowney, author of “Heroic Living.”
The Fr. Mychal Judge Award will be presented to Msgr. Michael Hardiman, pastor of St. Sebastian’s Church in Woodside, Queens.
The Hon. John Ingram, New york State Supreme Court Justice in Kings County will receive the St. Thomas More Award.
The Round Tower Award will be presented to Vincent O’Connor, longtime coach at St. Francis Prep, Floral Park in Queens while Deirdre Feerick, the Democratic Party’s district leader in Queens will accept the Celtic Cross Award.
The recipient of the Timothy Stackpole Memorial Award will be FDNY Battalion Chief John Plant. The Police Officer Edward R. Byrne, NYPD Memorial Award, will be presented to NYPD Sgt. Edward Conroy.
“I am honored to be associated with the noble traditions of the Great Irish Fait and the charities of the Irish American Building Society.
“Catholic Schools have been an integral part of New York for generations and have been instrumental in nurturing the minds and spirits of some of our city’s most renowned leaders,” said fair chairman, Martin Cottingham.