Pictured (back, l to r) are: Sean Dineen, Owner, Dineen Construction Corporation; Thompson; Edward Conlon, Detective, New York City Police Department, and Author, “Blue Blood”; Brian O’Dwyer, Esq., Chair, Emerald Isle Immigration Center; Patrick Doherty, Vice President, The Brehon Law Society of New York; (front, l to r) Patricia O’Reilly, Founder, Host and Producer, “Out of Ireland” television show; Father Joseph Kelly, St. Malachy’s Church; and, Dr. Marion R. Casey, Glucksman Ireland House, New York University. Photo credit: Marla Maritzer

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. paid tribute to five New Yorkers at his Irish Heritage Celebration on Monday, April, 25, 2005. The event was co-sponsored by the Brehon Law Society and the Emerald Isle Immigration Center.

“The history of New York and the history of the Irish American community are deeply entwined,” Thompson said to the crowd of more than 300 people. “More than 160 years ago, when famine brought tragedy to the cities and villages of Ireland, hundreds of thousands of people began their journey to America and started their lives in the shops and factories and schools and churches of New York City. It was a time of hardship. But it was also a time of hope. The men and women who came here worked long and hard to build better lives for their families. In turn, they helped make this city what it is today.”

Thompson described the evening’s honorees as role models and “a distinguished group of New Yorkers who are continuing the tradition of achievement, community and leadership today.”

Thompson presented the first award to Dr. Marion R. Casey, Assistant Professor of History at New York University and a Faculty Fellow in Irish-American Studies. Dr. Casey’s research focuses on the Irish in the United States and in New York from the eighteenth century to the present. She has served as the President of the New York Irish History Roundtable, author of the main entries on the Irish in The Encyclopedia of New York, and as the managing editor for a major collection of essays called The New York Irish.

“Dr. Casey has devoted her personal and professional life to celebrating, exploring, and promoting a greater understanding of the experience of Irish Americans in her field and in the life of our city,” Thompson said.

Thompson presented his Distinguished Service Award to New York City Police Detective and accomplished writer Edward Conlon. Mr. Conlon’s book, “Blue Blood,” a family memoir of the NYPD, was a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.

“Mr. Conlon has provided dedicated service to the people of New York City and has achieved great literary success,” Thompson said.

The next award for Distinguished Service went to Sean Dineen, Owner of Dineen Construction Company. Mr. Dineen, a native of Cullen, Ireland, owns a business that specializes in construction and restoration of historic brownstones in Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights and Carroll Gardens.

“Mr. Dineen started his own company and has pursued the American dream with talent and dedication and has risen to great heights in his profession,” Thompson said.

Thompson presented attorney and community leader Brian O’Dwyer with his Distinguished Service Award. Mr. O’Dwyer serves as partner of O’Dwyer and Bernstein, a firm that concentrates on labor law, employee benefit law, immigrant rights, personal injury and government representation. Mr. O’Dwyer is also the Chair of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center and President of the National Democratic Ethnic Leadership Council.

“Mr. O’Dwyer has demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership in his career and community and provides dedicated service and invaluable assistance to New Yorkers in need,” Thompson said.

The final award was presented to Patricia O’Reilly, a Dublin native, who is the founder, host and producer of “Out of Ireland,” a weekly Irish American television show. Every week, the program features highlights of the news from Ireland’s national broadcasting service, RTÉ, and includes interviews with Irish and Irish-American celebrities and politicians and showcases Irish music and entertainment.

“Ms. O’Reilly has served as an important communications leader within the Irish American community and her show is seen by more than 30 million households across the country,” Thompson said.

Photos from the event are available either on the Comptroller’s website at www.comptroller.nyc.gov or by calling Marla Maritzer at (212) 669-2597.

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