4th December, 2014

New York Young Leaders Celtic Christmas Celebration 2014

On Thursday, December 4th, over 100 members and supporters of the New York Young Leaders gathered at Parker & Quinn in the Refinery Hotel to celebrate an incredible year of fundraising and have some good Christmas “craic.”

The annual party is a chance for the Young Leaders to honor one of their own as they toasted Jen Barry as the New York Young Leader of the Year.
Guests were greeted by the friendly Parker & Quinn staff with a “welcome cocktail” along with live music by guitarist John Malone playing holiday classics.

After guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and a fabulous buffet dinner, National Director of The Young Leaders Pat Tully welcomed the Young Leaders and congratulated the Young Leaders on another great year of fun and fundraising and also thanked the presenting sponsor of the evening, Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Pat then introduced the 2013 Young Leader of the Year Bernadette McCabe Kelly who spoke about Jen Barry’s commitment to the mission of The American Ireland Fund and her work in 2014 co-chairing the signature St. Patrick’s Celebration and creating a new event for the Young Leaders at Glucksman Ireland House at NYU with the students in the Irish Studies program.

Bernadette then handed the microphone to Jen who accepted the award and with her father Kevin looking on, she proceeded to thank her fellow co-chairs from the St. Patrick’s event and encouraged other supporters in the room to get more involved, become a member and enjoy the rewarding experiences that come along with the fundraising work.

Pat Tully followed Jen’s remarks with a festive live auction which included a trip to Ireland for two courtesy of our friends at Delta Air Lines. That was won by Jonathan Collins. We also offered a VIP package to see Bravo’s Emmy award-winning Watch What Happens Live! Along with a gift bag and a signed book by show host Andy Cohen.  Special thanks to Young Leader Deirdre Connolly for that package.

The evening then continued on cocktails and dancing and a raffle provided by BMW of Manhattan who offered the opportunity to drive one of their luxury 7-series sedans for a week.

The party then moved on to Young Leader Croine O’Halloran’s Tavern 29 with beer provided by Sixpoint Brewery in Brooklyn.

Special thanks to Terrence Tubridy of Parker & Quinn and his staff for an exception affair and sponsors Jameson Irish Whiskey and Delta Air Lines.