Public Employee Press

Community, family and fun
In the Irish tradition

By JANE LaTOUR

With its inspiring call to “set the tyrant quaking,” the Irish National Anthem, “A Soldier’s Song,” roused the hearts of the sons and daughters of Erin and their DC 37 sisters and brothers at the union’s March 7 Irish Heritage Celebration.

In her invocation, Sister Mary O’Connor, the former Catholic chaplain at Rikers Island and a Local 299 member before she retired, prayed that “joy may be at home in your hearts” and asked for peace, “in our hearts, in our homes, and in our country.”

DC 37 Research and Negotiations Director Dennis Sullivan, a member of the Irish Heritage Committee, welcomed guests to the evening’s festivities on behalf of Executive Director Lillian Roberts. He pointed to DC 37’s cultural diversity as one of the union’s great strengths.

Bagpipers shared their stirring traditional music and favorites, including “Amazing Grace” and “The Sidewalks of New York.” A display of Irish step dancing set toes to tapping.

Then Maureen O’Malley provided an opportunity for those who were bold enough to learn the basics of the traditional Irish dance. Her proficient, fresh-faced student dancers guided participants across the dance floor.

“I’m very proud of my heritage,” said Committee Co-chair Bernadette O’Leary Enzmann. Committee co-founder Bill Fenty was the honoree of the evening. Recently retired, the former Blue Collar Division rep was “dedicated, responsible, hard-working, sincere, and loyal,” said Enzmann.

A booklet of historical facts given to participants noted that Irish women had the right to vote in 1918 — one year before U.S. women. A display of historical documents in the lobby featured the Irish Republican Army’s 1916 Easter Rebellion manifesto against the Britishoccupation.

The committee, chaired by Local 1322’s John Townsend, provided time-honored Irish hospitality, food, drink, music and dance, and participants shared in the traditions that keep the Irish heritage strong.