Irish Heritage Celebration:
Extraordinary women

By JANE LaTOUR

DC 37’s 12th annual Irish heritage celebration featured a rich stew of speakers, a tribute to Irish women, step dancers, bagpipers, and the Hittmen playing both traditional songs and golden oldies. Executive Director Lillian Roberts welcomed members to the March 5 gathering. “I am pleased to partake in this tribute to the extraordinary Irish women,” she said. “Irish women like Mary Harris Jones — ‘Mother Jones’ — who earned a place in history fighting for the rights of workers.”

“Tis Herself: Extraordinary Irish Women,” a booklet prepared by Irish Heritage Committee member Bernadette O’Leary Enzmann, provided the theme for the evening. “I was inspired by my mom, who I think was an extraordinary Irish woman,” she said. “Irish women are smart, they’re hard-working, they persevere, and they’re an inspiration to all women.”

As the stirring sounds of the Irish national anthem played, Public Health Nurse Anne Corridan, a member of the United Federation of Nurses and Epidemiologists Local 436, sang every word. “I was born in Roscommon County, Ireland, and I’m very proud to celebrate my heritage,” she said. “The Irish Hunger Memorial at Battery Park reminds us of the millions who endured terrible privation to come through here and live all over the United States.”

Generations of contributions
Committee Chair John Townsend, president of Dept. of Environmental Protection Supervisors Local 1322, introduced state Assembly member Michael Cusick of Staten Island. The Assemblyman spearheads the handicapped parking task force, sponsored legislation to protect victims of domestic violence, and supports measures to protect the environment.

Mr. Cusick spoke of the generations of relatives who contributed to making Staten Island a better community, including his Uncle John, active in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, who started the tradition that no one who passed on Staten Island would be buried in Potters Field.

Mr. Townsend then introduced special guest Kevin Baker, author of the novel “Paradise Alley.” “I have the pleasure of being here tonight because Paradise Alley is a historical novel about the bloody draft riots during the Civil War,” said Mr. Baker. “I think that whenever we have sought to uphold the rights of others, as well as our own, whenever we have cleaved to the true, inclusive ideals of America, our contribution to this nation has been immense.”

At the conclusion of the program, John Townsend presented John Hardisty, recently retired from DC 37’s Accounting Dept., with an award for his years of service to the Committee.

Mr. Townsend also thanked the entire committee for their efforts and singled out Vice Chair Kathy Fitzgerald. “She’s the soul behind this committee,” he said. “Without her, nothing would get done!”

Amidst the traditional trappings of corned beef and boiled potatoes, step dancers in distinctive dress and bagpipers sounding tunes that touched the heart, it was evident that the core of the celebration was about something deep and enduring. In the words of Kevin Baker, “Up the Republic!”