PROSPECT PARK WEST — It seems like the Great Irish Fair has found its home.
On Sept. 12, the 45th annual fair was — for the fourth consecutive year — held at Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Previously, the event was held at various sites on Coney Island.
Thousands participated in a day of Irish music, culture, and conviviality that began with Mass celebrated by Father Robert Whalen, who was honored with the Father Mychal Judge Memorial Award. Father Christopher Heanue, coordinator of the diocese’s outreach to Irish immigrants, concelebrated and delivered the homily, encouraging the faithful to take pride in their Irish heritage and celebrate the many contributions Irish Catholics have made — and continue to make — to the Church.
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Martin Cottingham, president of the Irish American Building Society, which sponsors the fair, said all proceeds will support Catholic Education in Brooklyn and Queens. Last year, more than $30,000 was presented to local Catholic schools.
Bishop Robert Brennan made a surprise visit late in the afternoon, touring the fairgrounds and taking pictures with attendees.
Dr. James McLaughlin, a cardiologist and Kensington native, presided over the event as the chief brehon. A Knight of St. Patrick, McLaughlin is involved in several civic and religious organizations across the diocese.
This year’s Colleen Queen was St. John’s University student Meabh Smith, who is a parishioner at St. Mary’s of Winfield Parish in Woodside. Smith competes in Gaelic football and is active in Irish dance. “Catholic faith and Irish heritage were always an important part of everyday life,” she said.
Two priests were also among the honorees: Father Whalen, pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Bayside, and Msgr. John Bracken, the diocese’s former director of patrimony, who was presented with the Paul O’Dwyer Memorial Award.
Sister Maryann Seton LoPiccolo, the episcopal delegate for religious in the diocese, was honored with the St. Brigid Award.
John Tynan, the retired director of the housing office for Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, was presented with the Bishop Sullivan Memorial Award.
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Tynan said he was particularly proud because he had worked with Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Sullivan for more than 40 years.
Lauren McCormack, who works with Futures in Education and the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens, received the Kathleen Slattery Woman of the Year Award.
Other honorees included:
- Jim Donovan, Irish Man of the Year Award
- Chris Cottingham, Thomas Phelan Memorial Award
- FDNY Battalion Chief and FDNY Holy Name Society President Joseph Brosi, Timothy Stackpole Memorial Award
- Thomas Dugan, president of the NYPD Holy Name Society, the Patrolman Edward Byrne Award
- Marty Hoban, the Celtic Cross Award
- Maureen Farrell, the Bard of the Fair Award
- Michael Lee, retired FDNY Battalion Chief, Round Tower Award
- Joe Moloney, the Martin Patrick Cottingham Memorial Award.
In addition to being honored at the fair, the recipients were feted at a dinner in August.