If there is an Irish event happening in New York City, more often than not, the person behind the camera is Dublin-born photographer James Higgins.
James has been a photographer in New York City for the past 25 years, and Irish America has been lucky to have him photograph many of our events over the years, including the 2024 Business 100. Finding the perfect angle, light, and subject is James’ superpower.
We share with you just a small portion of the photos that James captured in the closing weeks of 2024.
Enjoy!
WOMEN WITH AMBITION AND IRISH FEMALE FOUNDERS TAKE OVER BRYANT PARK HOTEL
The Bryant Park Hotel buzzed with excitement on Saturday, November 16, as shoppers flocked to the Second Annual Female Founder & Entrepreneur Expo hosted by Women with Ambition.
Women with Ambition (WWA) is a vibrant community of professional Irish and Irish-American women in New York City and the Tri-State area. Led by Founder & CEO Jane McCooey, and COO Ciara Gormley (two of Irish America’s Business 100 honorees) along with a Board of passionate volunteers. The organization empowers women through networking, mentorship, and educational events.
The WWA Expo showcased the creativity and passion of over 30 Irish and Irish-American entrepreneurial “founder” women based in NYC. The vendors displayed a unique array of goods and services, ranging from jewelry and stylish clothing to books and innovative health and beauty products.
Shoppers had the opportunity to connect with these inspiring women, learn their stories, and discover hidden gems.
By the end of the day, many vendors were sold out, leaving shoppers with full bags and happy hearts as they kicked off the holiday season.
The Expo also provided a chance for the diverse women founders to support each other and develop meaningful connections. The following day, the women gathered for a Founder Celebration Brunch, during which they each had a chance to pitch their businesses.
As Consulate General Helena Nolan noted: “The energy in the room was absolutely electric! It was incredible to see so many Irish businesses represented alongside amazing American enterprises, all driven by powerhouse women who are redefining ambition and innovation.”
Learn more about Women with AmbitionFollow WWA on LinkedIn, Instagram, and www.womenwithambitionny.com.
THE IRELAND-U.S. COUNCIL GALA 61
The Ireland-U.S. Council’s 61st Annual Dinner took place at the New York Metropolitan Club on November 14. Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap was presented with the Ireland-U.S. Council Award for Outstanding Achievement. AerCap is Dublin-based and is the world’s largest aviation leasing firm.
Tom Higgins-U.S. Council President & Executive Vice President FiServ, Inc., said in his welcoming remarks: “We cherish the shared commitments that connect us to our Council mission. During the past year, the Council has enjoyed outstanding support from members and from many benefactors, patrons and sponsors. On behalf of the Council’s Board and the entire membership of the organization throughout the United States and in all parts of Ireland, we offer thanks for the support we continue to receive.”
Top from left: Ireland-U.S. Council honoree Aengus Kelly. Middle: Kevin Fegan with Siobhan Mullen. Right: Aine Kennedy, Claire Walsh and Marty Tuohy. Below: Violinist Gregory Harrington (center) with cellists Ian Lum, and Sara Scanlon (seated) performing Ravel’s “Boléro” on one cello.
The Ireland – U.S. Council for Commerce & Industry was founded in 1963 to build business links between America and Ireland. In pursuit of its mission, the Council hosts frequent events in Ireland and in the U.S., operates a variety of scholarship and student internship programs, and promotes activities that develop communications, dialogue and improved understanding between leaders in business and government on both sides of the Atlantic.
AFRICAN IRISH NIGHT AT THE HARVARD CLUB
The African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN) held its 5th annual Gala dinner at the Harvard Club, New York City, on Thursday, November 7.
After a welcome and greetings by AAIDN’s founder and chair, Dennis Brownlee, and gala co-chairs, board members Christian Bolden and Fionnghuala “Fig” O’Reilly, two award winners were honored: Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chair Emerita, Ireland Funds America, received the Inspiration and Vision Award, which was presented by Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States.
Dr. Ben Vinson III, President of Howard University, received the Transformative Leadership Award, which was presented by Barron Harvey, Associate Provost for Academic Innovation and Strategic Initiatives at Howard University.
The mission of AAIDN is to foster relationships between African Americans and Ireland through shared heritage and culture, and that is the sentiment that was expressed throughout the evening.
It was an exchange of identity and connection and an engagement with African and Irish culture. Nowhere was this connection more deeply felt in this extraordinary coming together than when the Ghanaian Irish Fusion group of musicians, Colin Harte, Dylan James, Amos Gabia, Ray Odai Laryea, and Issac Alderson, took the stage and performed a riveting harmonic set, featuring Irish bodhrán, Ghanaian kpanlogo hand drums, and uilleann pipes that met with thunderous applause from the appreciative guests.
“It was a wonderful evening that created a framework for people to strengthen their identity and connection,” said founding board member Miriam Nyhan.
“Together, the Black and Irish communities can champion unity and opportunity to build a new future for generations to come,” said Dennis Brownlee, founder of African American Irish Diaspora Network. To learn more about the AAIDN, visit www.aaidnet.org.
KELLY RECEIVES AIHS AWARDS OF COURAGE
The American Irish Historical Society’s annual Gala was held on November 6, 2024, honoring the vice chairman of the Board, Tom Higgins, and astronaut Captain Scott Kelly, who received the Award of Courage.
The Society’s chairman, James Normile, hosted the Gala in the beautiful AIHS mansion at 9915th Avenue.
“The Society is about more than simply preserving the past; in sharing our story, we learn about context and see patterns that every immigrant group goes through,” Dr. Elizabeth Stack, the Society’s executive director, said in her opening remarks.
Honoree Tom Higgins talked about growing to understand the “struggle, hard work, and achievement” of earlier generations and drew parallels with today’s immigrant experience.
Astronaut Scott Kelly, a veteran of four space flights and a year-long mission to space, credited the “leadership, discipline, and focus” he learned at NASA for his success and his Irish roots for instilling an appreciation for the value of civil service.
For more information on the American Irish Historical Society, visit www.aihsny.org
CHILDREN’S MEDICAL RESEARCH
The Children’s Medical Research Foundation’s (CMRF) Emerging Leaders Board held their highly anticipated sixth annual End of Summer Gala at the stunning Bryant Park Grill this October. The sold-out event, attended by over 200 guests, was a celebration of philanthropy, connection, and commitment to advancing pediatric research.
The group honored Feargall Kenny for his commitment to bridging entrepreneurship between Ireland and the U.S. and fostering connections across the global Irish diaspora.
Alison Stapleton, Chair of the Emerging Leaders Board, reflected on the success of the event, which raised over $185,000. “We were so humbled by the generosity displayed leading up to and on the evening. Thank you to the many generous donors and supporters who joined us.”
Guests were treated to performances by renowned violinist Gregory Harrington and acclaimed comedian Joanne McNally, who added a touch of humor and artistry to the evening.
Funds raised by the gala will directly support new clinical trials dedicated to discovering tomorrow’s cures for children and represent a critical step forward in CMRF’s mission to provide hope and healing to children and families facing pediatric illnesses.
ALICE McDERMOTT EUGENE O’NEILL AWARD
The 2024 Irish American Writers & Artists Eugene O’Neill Lifetime Achievement Award event on Monday, October 21, at The Ellington on Broadway, honored the award-winning author Alice McDermott.
McDermott’s latest novel, Absolution, was an instant New York Times bestseller, a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award, and named one of the best books of 2023 by Time, NPR, LA Times, Vogue, Esquire, and others. McDermott’s eight previous novels have been finalists for the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the PEN/Faulkner Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Kirkus Prize, and the Dublin IMPAC Award.
Her novel Charming Billy won the National Book Award for fiction. Her stories and essays have appeared in The New Yorker, Harpers, The New York Times, Commonweal, and elsewhere.
Formed in 2008, Irish American Writers & Artists celebrate the achievements of Irish American writers and artists, past and present, supporting artistic freedom, human rights, and social justice.
Named for the playwright whose body of work garnered four Pulitzers and the Nobel Prize for Literature, the Eugene O’Neill Award is handcrafted and etched in optic glass by Tiffany and Company.
Novelist William Kennedy received the first Eugene O’Neill Award in 2009, and since then, such outstanding talents as Brian Dennehy, Judy Collins, Charlotte Moore and Ciarán O’Reilly, John Patrick Shanley, Pete Hamill, Malachy McCourt, Phil
Donahue, Joanie Madden, Peter Quinn, Kate Mulgrew, Larry Kirwan, Dan Barry, and Irish America’s Co-founder and Editor Patricia Harty have been recipients.
IAW&A helped save St. Brigid’s Famine Church, raised funds for Haitian earthquake victims, and inaugurated the annual Frank McCourt Prize for high school students with a flair for creative writing.
For more information, visit: https://iamwa.org
THE NEW YORK IRISH CENTER AT 20
The New York Irish Center hosted a 20th-anniversary benefit dinner on Saturday, November 9, headlined by the comedians Maureen Langan and Colin Quinn.
There was lots to celebrate as NYIC, a hub for culture and community enrichment in the heart of Long Island City, is entering a period of substantial growth, both in the services it provides and the cultural programming it presents. Executive Director George C. Heslin, who has led the Center since 2020, detailed a number of exciting new programs, including the Crossroads Concerts series that pairs Irish folk with the traditions of numerous ethnic communities in Queens and the just-launched “Finding Home” literacy program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, with 18 events in all.
Heslin also previewed the upcoming holiday concert “NY Croons for Christmas” on December 13. This year, cabaret stars Colm Reilly, Carolyn Montgomery, Sean Harkness, and Kathy Keafer will be the captivating Madelyn Monaghan, whose exquisite sean-nós (old style) singing is catapulting her to fame.
A 20th Anniversary Proclamation was presented on behalf of New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and the Council’s Irish Caucus. Board Chair Sean Mackin read the proclamation before he and his wife, Philomena Mackin, were thanked for their unswerving support of the center and its numerous programs. On hand for the festivities was former NYC Council Member Danny Dromm, a stalwart friend of New York’s Irish community.
During dinner and after the presentations, the evening transitioned into its entertainment phase, which featured Colin Quinn and Maureen Langan, who rocked the house with exquisite comedy and satire. There was also dancing with music by Cathy Maguire, who wrestled up an A-list band playing jaunty country-Irish fusion.
Among the star-studded attendees were the Emmy-winning actress, producer, and stuntwoman Donna Keegan, the dashing boxer and actor John Duddy, Invest Northern Ireland’s Jane McCarter O’Dowd, and Ireland’s Consul General Helena Nolan (who shared heartfelt insights into the strength and diversity of the Irish community in New York). She was followed by the recently elected State Assembly Member Clair Valdez, who received a warm welcome from the Center.
To see more of James’ photos or to book him for your next event visit wwwhigginsphotonyc.
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