The Grand Council was proud to partner with the Irish Echo at the third annual Big Irish Campfire at Iona University.
Máirtín ÓMuílleoir, Publisher of the Irish Echo opened up the Campfire at the beautiful Iona University’s Lynch Pavillon at 9 am sharp, and Dr. Seamus Carey, President of Iona University, gave some welcoming remarks.
After the forum, we were welcomed into the Campfire Luncheon at Spellman Hall by Iona’s catering staff, followed by Cara medal presentations and special honorees.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Seamus Carey, President of Iona University, SPIRIT OF IRELAND AWARD Theresa Tobin, Chief of Interagency Operations, NYPD (NYPD ES member), THE BLACK AND THE GREEN BRIDGE-BUILDER AWARD Sonnie W. Hereford IV and WINGS OF IRISH AMERICA AWARD Jeff Wright, Director of Sales North America, Aer Lingus.
Big Irish Campfire Farewell Finale was held at the beautiful lobby of the LaPenta School of business, featuring an exceptional performance by the Iona University Pipe Band; vote of Thanks to Iona University: Brendan Cremins, Business Development Executive Leader, Gartner, Washington DC, and the Presentation of Irish Echo Person of the Year Award to Professor Christine Kinealy.
The Grand Council is looking forward to the Big Campfire in 2023.
Fraternally,
Peter F. Whalen, President
The Spirit of Ireland Award
Past President Brian J. Sharkey presented NYPD Chief of Interagency Operations Theresa Tobin, a proud NYPD Emerald Society member, ” The Spirit of Ireland Award” at the Big Irish Campfire.
Past President Sharkey remarks:
Theresa Tobin has risen to the NYPD’s top due to her commitment, determination, courage, and values.
Those values include her deep-seated respect for her Irish heritage and her desire to represent the best of the Irish tradition of public service through her police work.
She is a humble but revered hero of the horror that was 911, striving to help others even as she was gravely injured.
She carries her many achievements lightly and is not just a mentor to many in the NYPD but also a role model for those who put their lives on the line to serve and protect all New Yorkers.
We honor her today for all her accomplishments and because she Is an ambassador for the Irish of America.
She epitomizes the spirit of Ireland and is a fitting recipient of the Spirit of Ireland Award.
Big Irish Campfire hears Iona President pledge to ‘carry forward our Irish legacy.’
2022 Campfire-Watch Back
Campfire Pictures
Thank you to Nuala Purcell of Nuala Purcell photography and Glen Lynch of Take-two productions for their many photos of the day.
Irish Echo Publisher Máirtín ÓMuílleoir 
Jimmy O’Leary, Brian J. Sharkey & John Manning 
Tommy Ryan, Terri Tobin & Mike Mazalatis Terri Tobin (Honoree) & Brian J. Sharkey 
Mike Mazalatis, Terri Tobin & Rob Ellis 
Tommy Ryan & Richie Palmer 
Jen Flynn, Jimmy O’Leary & Jimmy O’Leary 
Caoimhe Ní Mhuilleoir, Connla McCann, Tracey Quilligan and Brian McCabe 
Tommy Ryan, Brian J. Sharkey, Bob Ellis 
Dr. Seamus Carey, Sophie Colgan & Máirtín ÓMuílleoir 
Bob Ellis, Matt McCauley and Richie Palmer 
TBA,TBA, Brian McCabe & Sophie Colgan 
Brian J. Sharkey & Mike McGovern 
Danny O’Connell & Brian J. Sharkey 
Cathy Cash, Kathy Murphy-Lubey & Jimmy O’Leary 
Danny O’Connell & Brian McCabe 
Jimmy O’Leary, Jen Flynn and Tommy Ryan 
Sophie Cologan & Máirtín ÓMuílleoir 
Tommy Ryan 
Dr. Seamus Carey & Máirtín ÓMuílleoir 
Dr. Seamus Carey 
Tommy Ryan at the Post Campfire Debriefing.