GCUES Presidents 1 thru 3
The Beginnings
The movement for Emerald Societies began in the 1950’s. It started with the NYPD Emerald Society (New York City Police Department) on March 16, 1953, It was followed by the NYCD Emerald Society (New York City Correction Department) on November 17, 1955, and the FDNY Emerald Society (New York City Fire Department) on March 17, 1956. This movement created Emerald Societies in New York City and across the country.
The founders of these Emerald Societies knew that most Irish organizations include people from all walks of life. They believed that creating groups named “Emerald Society” for various professions would help Irish people connect. This would apply to those with Irish heritage, whether by birth or ancestry, in the same field. More importantly, it offered a new way for those with Irish heritage to preserve their history and customs. They also uphold their traditions and achievements.
History of the Grand Council
It’s often believed that the Irish unite mainly during church services, and this was also the case for Emerald Societies. At one time, there were three Grand Councils, and an Emerald Society could easily switch between them.
The Grand Council of Irish Societies Inc. was formed on June 29, 1956, in New York City, with William J. McGowan as the first President. By 1958, it had 65,000 members across various Emerald and Irish American societies in government. Meetings took place at the Irish Institute of New York, located at 326 West 48 Street, NY, NY. In 1968, the organization changed its name to The National Grand Council of Irish Emerald Societies Inc.
The Grand Council of Emerald Societies Inc. was incorporated on May 29, 1958, and the Grand Council of Police Emerald Societies was formed in the 1970s.
In the early 1970s, the Grand Council was down to two groups. The Grand Council of Emerald Societies was headed by William J. McGowan (NYPD ES). It had several Police Emerald Societies. The National Grand Council of Irish Emerald Societies, led by John P. Clark (NYCD ES), had Emerald Societies in the public service and private sector.
In the Spring of 1974, Frank Cull was a legendary Irish Echo columnist of “Round the Emerald Green.” He was approached to mediate a merger. Afterwards, he was named Pro-Temp. Attorney Thomas McCarthy set out to settle differences in constitutions, by-laws, treasuries, and other legal matters. Thomas Reilly of the PAPD ES suggested the delegate body overwhelmingly accepted the name Grand Council of United Emerald Societies (emphasizing “United”), and Paul Cinder of the MABSTOA ES designed the logo.
A constitution-formation committee was named. The group had four members. These were Pat Heslin (PAPD ES), Ed Hazel (DSNY ES), Jack Clark (NYCD ES), and Matt Walsh (NYC TAPD ES). In December 1974, the first elections were held at the Irish Institute in Manhattan. Jack Clark (NYCD ES) was elected the first President. His term of office commenced on January 1, 1975. The Grand Council of United Emerald Societies (GCUES) became a reality.
Historical Emerald Moments in Time
The NYPD Emerald Society was started on March 16, 1953, with Henry Fitzgerald as its first president.
The NYCD Emerald Society was formed on November 17, 1955, and James Mulvey was the first president.
The FDNY Emerald Society began on March 17, 1956, and Eugene O’Kane was the first president.
The New York City Department of Sanitation Irish American Association (IAA) was set up in 1938, with William Nally Sr. as its first president. The IAA changed its name to the DSNY Emerald Society in 1985.
The Postal Employees Sons of Erin, part of the American Fraternity of Sons Erin, was founded on June 7, 1939. They changed their name to the Emerald Society of the New York Post Office on February 27, 1957.
The New York City Transit Authority Emerald Society includes subway engineers, conductors, tradespeople, and support staff. It was started in 1961, and Gregory Perrin was the first president.
In 1978, the Parade Delegates chose GCUES President James “Barney” Ferguson from the NYPD Emerald Society as the Grand Marshal of the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
The Emerald Society of the Federal Law Enforcement Agencies (ESFLEA) was formed in New York City in 1995 by USINS Inspectors who wanted to support each other and improve their agency. When they faced challenges from their own agency, the founders decided to include all federal law enforcement agencies, allowing officers of Irish or Gaelic descent, like Special Agents and Police Officers, to join.
The National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies Inc (NCLEES) was created in 1995 by Patrick J. O’Brien from New York, who was its first president. The main goal of the NCLEES is to bring together all public safety Emerald Societies to promote friendship among members, preserve Irish culture, highlight the contributions of ancestors, and acknowledge the achievements of Irish Americans in law enforcement and public safety.
Eighteen organizations affiliated with GCUES are part of the NCLEES.
GCUES Today
Reorganized in 1975, the Grand Council has over 20,000 members. It acts as a political group for 27 Affiliated Emerald Societies and is in charge of choosing the Aide to Grand Marshal, who represents these societies in the New York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
The Grand Council has affiliates in Arizona, California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. One of our affiliate groups has members all across the country.
Our affiliated organizations include workers in important jobs. These jobs consist of Law Enforcement, Fire Service, EMS, Education, Waste Management, Mass Transit, and Public Utilities.
The Grand Council meets on the first Wednesday of each month at different locations in NYC, Westchester, and Long Island. We have a strong presence on social media. Please note that the Grand Council does not meet in July and August
If you are interested in starting an Emerald Society or your Emerald Society wants to affiliate, please email us at info@gcues.org.
The Grand Council has a dedicated Linktree and is actively represented on social media platforms. You can follow us on Facebook at @gcuesinc, Instagram at @gcuesinc, and Twitter at @gcuesinc.
The Grand Council, in collaboration with its affiliated organizations, publishes a comprehensive monthly newsletter titled “Around the Emerald Green.” This newsletter serves as a valuable resource, providing the latest news and updates. It covers a wide range of topics, including upcoming Emerald events, employment opportunities, and Irish-American news from reputable sources like the Irish Echo and the Irish Examiner. By subscribing to this newsletter, you can stay informed and connected to the Grand Council.
If you want to start an Emerald Society, please visit our Affiliation management page. If your current Emerald Society needs to affiliate or reaffiliate, visit the same page.
Emerald Societies showcase the best of the Irish culture wherever green is worn
Ní neart go cur le chéile
There’s no strength without unity
