Garden City 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 Garden City resident Kathryn Driscoll Hopkins, chief clerk of the Nassau County Supreme Court. Learning her craft at the bench of another of Ireland’s great Gaels, Kathy served as the principal law clerk to the Honorable Edward G. McCabe, the former Administrative Judge of Nassau County.

Hopkins has been a model of efficiency and determination, not to mention the model of Irish charm, as she tackles the day-to-day operations of the clerk of the Supreme Court. Since taking on this demanding career in 2002, her office receives more than 18,000 filings each year, averaging about 70 cases per day.

In 2013, Hopkins was recognized by the Long Beach Lawyer’s Association for her critical role in maintaining communication during Superstorm Sandy. She worked tirelessly to keep the Nassau County Supreme Court in contact with the City of Long Beach, ensuring uninterrupted access to the Nassau Court System. She was instrumental in assisting to the emergency relief efforts for the residents of Long Beach.

The honorees of the inaugural ceremony included John Murray Jr., owner of Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh; Sean O’Rourke of Woodmere, a retired NYPD Detective heavily involved in the Ancient Order of Hibernians; 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