By JANE LATOUR

DC 37's 11th annual Irish Heritage Celebration drew together the union’s many ethnic groups to honor the Irish and their contributions to America. Committee Chair John Townsend, president of Local 1322, said: “It’s nice to see everybody being Irish for the day, and it’s even better that there is peace in Ireland for the first time in years.” Sister Mary O’Connor, a Chaplain and member of Local 299, offered the invocation.

The program included elements of the Irish culture that the English suppressed for centuries, including music — such as the Knights of Columbus Pipe Band, which includes members of Locals 2507 and 1320, and the Irish national anthem, “A Soldier’s Song,” sung in Irish. There was also traditional dancing — with step dancers from the Tir Na Gael School — and traditional dress, with the wearing of the plaid tartan kilts and headdresses.

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts greeted the participants, saying: “What’s so rich about this union is that we come from everywhere.” Featured speaker Brian McLaughlin, president of the New York City Central Labor Council, spoke about the contributions of Irish immigrants, like his grandfather from County Cavan, who came to America in search of a better life for themselves and their children.

DC 37 Rep Bill Fenty, former chair of the Irish Heritage Committee, received the annual award. Presenting a bouquet to Vice Chair Kathy Fitzgerald, Mr. Townsend noted that, “Without Kathy, we wouldn’t have a committee. She takes care of 99% of the work.”

While the Hittmen band played Irish songs, some members spoke about their Irish heritage. Christina Hughes, daughter of immigrants from County Louth, and a member of Rent Regulation Services Employees Local 1359, attended with her brother Michael and sister Ann.

Retiree Alice Moroney (maiden name Noone — “It’s a very Irish name.”) pointed to the contributions the Irish made to the civil service, including her father, who rose from Investigator to Deputy Commissioner of the Waterfront Commission in a 30-year career, and her daughter Catherine Moroney, a member of the SSEU Local 371.

Municipal Hospital Employees Local 420 member Bill Hart celebrated his Irish ancestors and shared his knowledge of Irish history. “The quest of the Irish who came here seeking their inalienable rights contributes to the storehouse of human decency,” he said.

Grievance Rep Efrain Perez, Irish for the night, joined in: “I’m celebrating for all the millions of immigrants who came to America for a better life.”