Woodmere Resident Honored At Town's First Irish-American Heritage Celebration

Late last month, the Town of Hempstead held its first-ever Irish-American Heritage Celebration. The event recognized exceptional Irish-American residents of the town who have made a positive impact on their communities, while also promoting Irish heritage and culture.

“Here in Hempstead Town we have many diverse communities,” said Town Supervisor Anthony Santino. “We are proud to take the time to honor and acknowledge the very best of each unique heritage. March is the perfect month to recognize our outstanding Irish residents.”

Among the honorees was Woodmere resident Sean O'Rourke, who recently retired as a detective from the NYPD after 25 years of service. Working in the 75th Precinct, the Street Crime Unit, the Queens Special Victims Squad and as a detective for the 69th Precinct, O’Rourke received 30 Excellent Police Duty Awards along with seven Meritorious Police Duty Awards. He was also a critical member of the recovery and restoration team at the World Trade Center site after the 9/11 attacks.

A lover of the Irish community, O’Rourke has been involved with the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 3 since 1998. He has chaired many of the events the organization holds, like it’s annual golf outing.
He became a member of the Nassau County AOH Board in 2002, and has held many different offices in the group. He is currently the County President, and just a few years ago was selected to serve as an Aid to the Grand Marshall of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

O’Rourke’s love for the Irish community runs deeps, and he has also served as the Nassau County Feis Chairman for many years. This Irish Festival means a great deal to him as his father, Michael, helped form the Feis over 40 years ago.

The honorees of the inaugural ceremony included Kathryn Driscoll Hopkins of Garden City, Chief Clerk of Nassau County Supreme Court; John Murray Jr., owner of Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh; Don Ryan of Hempstead, a treasured long-time public servant; and Mayor-elect; Donna Ryan, a Levittown community volunteer. There was also a posthumous tribute to the great Steven McDonald, NYPD Detective from Malverne who became an international hero when he forgave the teen who shot him and left him as a quadriplegic.

Michael Byrne, current Nassau County Feis Chairman, opened the ceremony as the keynote speaker. Entertainment was provided by the Donny Golden School of Irish Dance in Mineola, with the Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band and the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums supplying the music.

Photo: Town of Hempstead