I had a wonderful time at the Irish Heritage and Culture of NYC celebration at New York City Hall Council Chambers on March 15, 2016. Council Members Daniel Dromm, Elizabeth Crowley, Corey Johnson and Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer hosted a beautiful reception. Special proclamation awards were given to fashion designer Don O'Niell of the Thea label, Gary O'Niell of the Aubergine Cafe and Fiodhna O'Grady of Samaritans Suicide Prevention Center. The prestigious Thomas J. Manton Irish Person of the Year Award was presented to Dr. John L. Lahey, chairman of the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade for making the parade inclusive. There was Irish food, drinks, dancing, and performances by the Niall O'Leary School of Irish Dance and musical numbers by Maynooth University Chamber Choir.
