Honoree Dan Dennehy
By Ray O’Hanlon
Often forgotten, still here, never certain of always being here, the “deportees” are included in the list of honorees at an awards event set for this weekend in the Bronx.
Ancient Order of Hibernians division 5 bestow their honors on an annual basis and the deportees – a group of men who fled their past in Troubles-era Northern Ireland for a new life in America – are included in this year’s list.
Also being honored in recently elected National Director, Dan Dennehy and former St. Barnabas Pastor Msgr. Edward Barry.
The “Spirit of 1916 Awards” will be bestowed this Sunday October 16 by Div. 5 Woodlawn at the Rambling House Party Room, Katonah Avenue at East 236th street in the Bronx from 3 to 7p.m.
In announcing the honorees, Division 5 President Martin Galvin said: “Dan Dennehy has long been a recognized national leader in the fight to get fair immigration laws for the Irish.
His election as an AOH National Director reflects his leadership within the AOH on immigration, freedom-for-Ireland and as a dedicated organizer.
“Monsignor Edward Barry is the Division 5 Man of the Year. His leadership, guidance and dedication to the AOH, Woodlawn Irish community and all St. Barnabas parishioners deserves recognition not just as chaplain but as the division member who has done the most to make Division 5 a growing Irish force.”
Continued Galvin: "A special award is being presented to the Irish political deportees and their American families.
“Twenty years ago, these former Irish republican prisoners and their American families were targeted for deportation proceedings at Britain's behest.
“Britain hoped to portray them and the Irish cause as criminal and instead rallied the Irish community behind them until America gave them formal legal status.
“We want to remember their victory but also remember and renew our campaign for other former Irish political prisoners who are still wrongly denied full legal status.”
Galvin said this year’s honorees would receive Spirit of 1916 Awards as an added honor to them “and to honor the ideals and heroic sacrifices of a century ago which led to freedom for 26 of Ireland’s 32 counties.”
In addition to the awards presentations, Division 5 will award grants for the promotion of Irish charities, Gaelic games, Irish dancing and Irish music in the Woodlawn area.
Music for the honors gathering will provided by Gerard and Susan Corbett. A ticket at $25 includes a free buffet. For tickets or information call (718)324-8726.
