Kathleen Walsh D'Arcy, who for many years fought for recognition for, and inclusion of, the Irish gay community in New York and beyond has died.
Walsh D'arcy, whose Irish family roots were in Offaly and Tipperary, was a leading member in the organization behind New York City's St. Pat's For All Parade.
The Irish American Writers & Artists, of which Walsh D'Arcy was a board member, said in a statement: "With profound sadness we announce the passing of Kathleen Walsh D'Arcy on July 18th 2026 at Memorial Sloan Kettering from complications of cancer. Kathleen had many titles: Irish American community organizer, social worker, Co-chair of the inclusive St Pat’s for All parade in Queens, NY, comrade, sister, aunt, godmother, partner, mother, grandmother, and friend to so many."
The Brehon Law Society said in a tribute: "With heavy hearts, we share the arrangements to celebrate the life of Kathleen Walsh D’Arcy.
"All who knew and loved Kathleen are welcome to join in honoring her life and keeping her memory alive. Our prayers and sympathies are with her daughter, Maeve, and her entire family and circle of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Said the Irish Consulate in a statement: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Kathleen Walsh D’Arcy, a pillar of the New York City Irish community.
"A proud Irish-American, Kathleen dedicated her life to promoting a diverse and inclusive vision of the Irish diaspora. Kathleen will be remembered for her fight for LGBTQI equality in New York, from fighting the ban of LGBTI organizations in the 5th Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade, to the founding of the Sunnyside @StPatsForAll Parade.
"Kathleen received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad in 2016, and was honoured at a state dinner in Dublin by former President Michael D. Higgins for her advocacy.
"Her life and legacy will live on in the communities she helped to shape. The Consulate sends our deepest condolences to Kathleen’s friends, family, and the St Pat’s For All team during this difficult time."
The New York Irish Center said it was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kathleen Walsh D'Arcy, "a tireless advocate and cherished member of New York's Irish community."
The Center said in an online post: "Kathleen dedicated her life to building a more inclusive Irish community, championing equality and LGBTQI+ inclusion. Through her leadership with St. Pat's for All and her decades of advocacy, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kathleen's family, friends, the St. Pat's for All community, and the many people whose lives she touched."
And former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has extended his deepest condolences to Kathleen's family and friends.
Said Adams: “Kathleen was committed to equality and inclusivity. She was a community activist, a stalwart defender of the rights of citizens, and of human rights, as well as a feminist, a writer, and teacher.
"In particular, along with Brendan Fay, they campaigned very effectively for the right of the LGBTQ community to participate in the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade. She also served on the board of the Lavender and Green Alliance.
"In 2016 her work and that of Brendan was recognised by Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D Higgins when they were awarded the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad.
"Kathleen lived her life to the full and she has left a wonderful legacy of compassion and solidarity. I want to extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends. Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a dhéanamh le teaghlach Kathleen.Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam."
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 24 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.at the Andrett Funeral Home 199 Bleecker Street in Manhattan. There will be a funeral Mass on Saturday, July 25, 10.30 a.m. at St Francis Xavier Church, 46 West 16th Street in Manhattan.
