Emerald Green Encyclopedia seeks Emerald support

By Frank Cull

The University of Notre Dame Press has announced the publication of The Encyclopedia of the Irish in America. This is the first encyclopedia of its kind, and represents the most comprehensive work ever published on Irish Americans.

The editor of the immense undertaking is Michael Glazier, a native of Tralee in the kingdom of Kerry. Glazier is an editor and publisher of renown in both Ireland and America. Recently he co-edited the award-winning Encyclopedia of American Catholic History.

Dr. Margaret Conners said it best: "Glazier’s Encyclopedia of the Irish in America is an essential addition to the library of those who study the American Irish. It’s the New Yorker of reference works with topics ranging from Irish song in America to the role of the Irish in baseball. Each entry is written by the best in the field and is meticulously documented. It’s the best compendium of Irish-American scholarship available."

The mission for our Emerald Societies is simply to purchase a number of books and then distribute the encyclopedia as a donation to every parochial school library, local public library, high school library, and college library.

This encyclopedia will be welcomed by all students and scholars in Irish-American studies. Indeed, the distinguished quality of the contributions and the inclusive and comprehensive nature of the contents of this volume will soon make it a required reference for anyone interested in Irish America. Needless to say, it should be a welcome addition to the private library in every Irish American household.

With the Grand Council of United Emerald Societies paving the way, this good will gesture should be copied by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and the United Irish Counties.

For more information or to purchase The Encyclopedia of the Irish in America, call 1 (800) 621-2736.

McMullen is Transit president

The Transit Police may have merged into the NYPD, but the Transit Police Emerald Society lives on. The Society was founded in 1956 by Eddie O’Hara. Recently, the Society held elections and Bill McMillen was elected president, Tommy Golden vice president, Paul Murphy treasurer, and Anne Keeney financial secretary.

Candidate Toal

NYC Police Emerald and NYPD Sergeants’ Benevolent Association President Joseph Toal has turned over the leadership of his Union to SBA Vice President Bernard Pound as he prepares to bring a 40-year career with the Police Department to a close. Toal is preparing to throw himself into a campaign to elect uniformed union-sponsored candidates to the New York City Council, himself included.

Toal told the Irish Echo that he intends to run in the 2001 election for the City Council Brooklyn seat covering Marine Park, Mill Basin and Canarsie now held by Herbert Berman. Berman is expected to announce his own candidacy for city comptroller.

Tionol honors Vallone

Mike Clendenon and Jim Lombard of the Tionol Emerald Society sends word that the American Irish community saluted a "New York Classic" on the occasion of his 65th birthday and that is the NYC Council speaker, Hon. Peter F. Vallone. Emeralds on the committee for the birthday party included John Dunleavy (MABSTOA), Tom Doyle (Fire), Barney Ferguson (Police), John Garvey, Mary Buckley Teatum, Bettyanne McDonough, Rosemary Lombard, Carol Gillen Costello and Mary Holt Moore, all from the NYC Board of Education Emerald Society.

Hibernia honors for Kelly

NYC Fire Emerald Lt. Timothy J. Kelly was one of the 50 shining stars in the American Irish community saluted by World of Hibernia magazine in their millennium issue. Boasting Clare and Leitrim bloodlines, Kelly was awarded the Alfred P. Sloan Award back in the spring. Kelly was one of eight NYC employees who garnered the award from a pool of 250,000 eligible city employees. He created several life-saving inventions that have had an immeasurable value for both firefighters and the citizens who they protect.

Brooklyn to honor Brennan

The 25th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Brooklyn is set for Sunday, March 19, in Park Slope on the historic site of the Battle of Brooklyn. The grand marshal is Bishop Thomas V. Daily and the parade dedication will honor the memory of NYPD Chief Patrick Brennan.

The late Pat Brennan was a member of the NYC Police Department Emerald Society and was honored as their Irishman of the Year. He also served as grand marshal for the Brooklyn March for Patrick.

Any organizations or Emerald Societies interested in joining the 25th anniversary and millennium parade celebration should contact chairwoman Kathleen McDonagh at (718) 499-9482.