Mulcahy's Founder Honored With Inaugural Good Guy Award

On Nov. 3, honored Wantagh resident and founder of local staple Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, John Murray, Jr. with a reception at Oheka Castle in Huntington. Murray was given the organization's inaugural Good Guy Award in front of more than 300 people. 

Murray was honored for philanthropy and generosity in the community, including the work he has done for The John Theissen Children's Foundation, Seaford 9/11 Patriot Award Committee, The Firefighter Michael Crawley Memorial Foundation, just to name a few, and the number of charity events that Murray hosts at Mulcahy's every year. Additionally, Nov. 3 was named John Murray Day in Nassau Country by Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray. 

"Whenever anyone needed anything for anybody or for any reason, John Murray was always there," said Bill Field, Wantagh Fire Commissioner.

"He is a wonderful friend, he is a good business man and it is a pleasure to have him in the community," said Warner Augustus, owner of the  on Park Avenue in Wantagh. 

Maureen Haskell, mother of two heroes fallen on September 11, 2001, said that there is "a place in heaven for John Murray." Murray donated use of Mulcahy's to help raise money for a monument at honoring those alumni who lost their lives on September 11.

Kathy Schmitt, owner of in Seaford, agreed. "John Murray is truly a good guy; he is the perfect recipient for this award. He has a warm heart and a generous heart," she said.

Michael Dunne, a member of the Mulcahy's staff, cited Murray for changing his whole life. Dunne addressed the crowd, telling them that Murray, and lessons Murray taught him, helped him court his wife, purchase his house, and become a business owner. Dunne said that Murray was always there for him when times were tough.

John Theissen, founder of the that supplies services for children suffering with various ailments, credits Murray for helping him to get his start by donating money to his cause and then by donating a fully-furnished office. "John Murray has been my Donald Trump," said Theissen.

"It is a great honor to present John Murray with this award," said Chris Brown, president of the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce. "He is truly a gentlemen and a scholar and he deserves all the accolades he receives."

A humble man, Murray spent his time to shine thanking those around him for helping him afford the opportunities he had. Citing the support of his family, friends and business associates, Murray explained, "Being a good guy doesn't happen alone."

Along with the dinner were both live and silent auctions, a brandy and cigar jazz hour and performances by the Nassau Country Police Department Pipes and Drums band and the Donny School of Irish Dancing. Part of the proceeds from the event will go towards the formation of a scholarship fund in Murray's name that will go to qualifying Wantagh students, according to Brown. The event was hosted by WFAN sports radio persoanlity Mike Francesa.