Irish American Cultural Institute Honours Retiring Chairman
MORRISTOWN, NJ – The Irish American Cultural Institute (IACI) honored its former Chairman and CEO John P. Walsh with the Annie Moore Award, at the 13th Annual Washington’s St. Patrick’s Day Ball at the Madison Hotel in Morristown, New Jersey on February 25.
Walsh has been involved with the IACI for 35 years, 18 of which he served as Chairman. Initially joining IACI as a volunteer with the North New Jersey Chapter, Walsh became director of the local chapter and joined the Board of Directors in 1975.
During his tenure the IACI expanded its role and contributions to Irish America, overseeing the development of the Institute’s Irish Research Funds, O’Malley Art Award, Irish Artist in Residence and Fellowship in Irish Studies at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Additional highlights include the opening of the IACI O’Malley Art Gallery in Limerick and the placement of the Annie Moore statues at Ellis Island and Cobh, County Cork,Ireland.
Nearly 300 people attended this year’s black tie event to pay tribute to Walsh. Among those in attendance included the Consul General of Ireland, Tim O’Connor, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Senior Vice-President of CIE Tours International, Dennis Savage, and the Director of the Irish Arts Center, Pauline Turley.
IACI Chairman Gerald McBride remarked, “John Walsh has dedicated four decades of his life to the Irish American Cultural Institute and a lifetime to the Irish American community. He embodies the true spirit of the Annie Moore Award.”
The IACI honors an Irish American with the Annie Moore Award for their significant contributions in business, community, government, and/or entertainment. Previous honorees include the actor Aidan Quinn, publisher Niall O’Dowd and Executive Vice Chair and President at Merrill Lynch, Robert McCann.
Washington’s St. Patrick’s Day Ball commemorates George Washington’s declaration of St. Patrick’s Day as a holiday during the American Revolution in 1780. The evening is a blend of history, pageantry, music, and dance with the Annie Moore Award Presentation as its centerpiece. The annual gala benefits the established educational, arts, and cultural programming of the IACI.
The IACI is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit national organization committed to the exploration and appreciation of Irish culture. Founded in 1962, the Irish American Cultural Institute (IACI) is the leading Irish American cultural organization with the President of Ireland as its patron.
|
