February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Frank Cull
Robert B. Lynch, a member of the New York City Transit Authority Emerald Society, was honored recently by the Queens County Ancient Order of Hibernians as its 1999 Hibernian of the Year.
On hand for the festivities was Lynch’s son, NYC Police Emerald and President of the NYPD Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Patrick J. Lynch.
The senior Lynch is a charter member and past president of AOH Div. 13 in Bayside, N.Y.
Medal for Reehil
President John Fitzgerald of the New York City Police Department. Emerald Society presented its Patrick J. O’Connor Medal of Valor to Police Officer Michael Reehil during its recent annual awards night in St. Andrew’s Hall in lower Manhattan.
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Officer Mike Reehil, of the 42nd Precinct, responded to a call for "man with a gun." On arrival, the gunman shot Officer Reehil who returned fire dropping the shooter leading to his capture. Medal winner Reehil is currently a detective with the Auto Crimes Unit.
President Fitzgerald thanked the medal of valor selection committee, headed by chairman Dennis Keenan and co-chair Gary Rudolph.
The New York Police Department has eliminated sponsorship of all their medals. Private corporations, foundations, private citizens, labor unions and even fraternal organizations within the department are denied the sponsorship of their respective medals. The NYPD Emeralds got their Irish up and decided to award their own medal.
Hevesi for mayor?
New York City Comptroller Alan Hevesi has approached the Grand Council of United Emerald Societies about endorsing him in his run for mayor of the City of New York.
Parade in Los Angeles
President Steve Kirby, his Los Angeles Police Emerald Society and representatives of the Los Angeles City Fire and Police Departments are planning the first annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade for the City of Los Angeles, on March 17, 2000. Since they don’t have to worry about the weather, the festivities will include a street fair complete with entertainment stages.
For more information, call Steve Kirby at (213) 485-3795.
New arrival
The pipes are blaring over at the FDNY Emerald Society bagpipe band with news that Elana Daly has arrived. Proud parents of baby Elana are Sue and Matt Daly.
Matt is the official photographer for the Men of the Pipes and Drums.
The speaker’s birthday
Mike Clendenon and Jim Lombard of the Tionol Emerald Society send word that the American Irish community saluted a "New York Classic" on the occasion of his 65th birthday. And who is it? The New York City Council Speaker Hon. Peter F. Vallone.
Emeralds on the committee 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.
The Irish hooley was held at Austin Delaney’s Harbor Lights in the South Street Seaport.
Another award 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 its autumn 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 helped both firefighters and the citizens they protect.
Parade in Brooklyn
The 25th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Brooklyn is slated for Sunday, March 19, in Park Slope on the historic site of the Battle of Brooklyn.
The grand marshal will be 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 celebration should contact chairlady Kathleen McDonagh at (718) 499-9482.