The Celtic Cross is the ancient symbol of the Catholic faith in Ireland. For over a thousand years, the High Crosses of Ireland have been landmarks that represent the celebration of that faith. The Great Irish Fair honors a person who exemplifies devotion to faith and the Irish expression of that faith here in New York City in the 21st century.

John J. Manning, N.Y.S. treasurer for the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), is receiving The Celtic Cross Award.

The oldest of four children of John A. and Kathleen Manning (nee Morrow), he and his siblings, Coleen Lyons, Kevin Manning and Kelly Lynch, grew up in Old Mill Basin. His grandparents hail from Cos. Longford, Clare and Mayo.

A proud Hibernian, he has more than 25 years of membership that started at the “Home of the Baile na nGael” with Kings County AOH Div. 19, Gerritsen Beach.

He later transferred to AOH Div. 21 in Rockaway Beach/Breezy Point, where he was elected and served in numerous division offices and leadership positions. He currently serves as the AOH Queens County president.

As a dedicated Hibernian, John has volunteered in many charitable and community efforts that include eight years with the Great Irish Fair.

More recently, he founded a committee and worked tirelessly to revive the annual Rockaway Beach/Breezy Point Irish Festival after a 17-year absence. His leadership, along with the help of AOH Div. 21 Brothers, has produced four very successful festivals that have become the pride of the community. In addition to preserving and promoting Irish culture at the festivals, his committee has raised $125,000 to benefit the Catholic parishes of Rockaway Beach and Breezy Point, and many other community charitable organizations that are still recovering from the devastation from Hurricane Sandy.

Professionally, he currently serves as special events coordinator for the New York City Fire Department. In this role, he is responsible for planning and managing all FDNY ceremonial events from start to finish. These events include coordinating VIPs, invited guests and speakers as well as developing programs, communicating with external departments and maintaining event budgets. He began his FDNY service in 1996 as an emergency medical technician.

A family man, he and his wife, Donna Manning, live in Breezy Point, and are proud parishioners of St. Thomas Moore Church.