The Irish Emigrant newspaper, in partnership with IrishCentral and Irish America magazine, is proud to announce the winners of the Irish Heroes of New England Awards.
The awards, to be held in Boston at historic Faneuil Hall on November 7, will honor those Irish Americans who showcased, through selfless acts of bravery and dedication, all that is good in the Irish American community.
The Guinness brewing company and its “Made of More” campaign will be a main supporter of the awards.
In a statement, Connell Gallagher, publisher of The Irish Emigrant stated “We are very proud to showcase the Irish Heroes of New England for 2013 and honor them for their bravery and for their dedication to helping others. This year’s honorees are representative of the many Irish American men and women who quietly go above and beyond the call of duty, on a daily basis. “We are indebted to this distinguished group of heroes and to all the heroes that they represent.”
The 2013 Irish Heroes of New England are:
- – Lt. Sean O’Brien, Boston Fire Department: In recognition for his service in saving lives in the immediate aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings.
- – Lt. J. Paul Vance, Commanding Officer, CT State Police Public Information Office: Spokesperson and the reassuring voice of reason in the aftermath of the shootings at Sandy Hook elementary school.
- – Officer Richard Donohue, MBTA Transit Police: Seriously injured during the pursuit and apprehension of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects.
- – Officer Richard Moriarty, Boston Police Department: Assisted in saving Officer Donohue’s life, while under fire from the Boston Marathon bombing suspects.
- – Michael Sheehan, CEO Hill Holliday and Co-founder of One Fund Boston.
- – James D. Gallagher, Executive Vice President John Hancock and Co-founder of One Fund Boston: In recognition of the phenomenal success of One Fund Boston in providing financial aid to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
- – Alana and Claire O’Brien, Co-founders of Dance Out For Jane: In recognition of the Irish-dance-themed fundraiser to benefit Boston Marathon bombing victim Jane Richard, which inspired similar events across the US.
- – Ken Casey, Dropkick Murphys and Claddagh Fund: For his fundraising effort to aid the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings and for the the Claddagh Fund’s ongoing support of many local charities.
At the ceremony, Consul General of Ireland to Boston Breandán Ó Caollaí will also, on behalf of the Irish government, present each of the honorees with a Certificate of Irish Heritage to represent the great pride directed towards these individuals by the Irish American community.
In 2012, the annual awards recognized Irish Leaders of New England with a focus on community and civic leaders. Honorees last year included Dr. John Lahey, President of Quinnipiac University, for his leadership in developing the Irish Famine Museum, and Congressman Joe Kennedy for his public service, and in recognition of the great contributions to society by his extended family.
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