Cranford Residents Honored For Volunteer Work In Union County

CRANFORD, NJ — The 2026 Irish Man and 2026 Irish Woman of the Year in Cranford were recognized on Sunday.

The Cranford St. Patrick's Parade Committee named Nancy Mahoney and Jerry Conheeney with the honors for their active volunteer work in both Cranford and the greater Union County community.

Mahoney is a member of the Daughters of Ireland and retired from a career as a court reporter.

She, along with her late husband Kevin, volunteered at St. Michael Church and School, Raphael's Life House, and multiple other organizations. Nancy also added a new avenue for her efforts in helping with "Share My Meals," which coordinates food pick-up services for those in need.

She also gives her time to St. Joseph's Social Services and Cranford Family Care.

Mahoney says one of her most treasured memories is when she and her husband were recognized by the Knights of Columbus with the Compassionate Heart Award for their work with Family Promise. The organization works to provide resources and food for those less fortunate in Union County.

When she's not volunteering, Mahoney can be seen walking around Cranford with her nine grandchildren.

Jerry Conheeney, another longtime servant for the good of others, has been living in the Township of Cranford since 2006. During this time, he has volunteered with the St. Michael Church and School, where he coached boys and girls basketball.

A member of the Knights of Columbus for 25 years, Conheeney was named the Grand Knight from 2021 to 2023. His efforts within the organization included raising funds for Cranford Family Care, Folds of Honor, and multiple other charities.

Before graduating from NJIT and going on to work in the banking field for more than 30 years, Conheeney would work at a dairy farm in Ireland every summer beginning at age 12.

He has continued to visit overseas with his wife Patti and their family in his later years.

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