New York awards for West Clare emmigrants

THE Clare Association of New York City will honour John Hogan (Kilmurry McMahon) and Monica O’Connor (Kildysart) at their 122nd annual ball on Saturday, October 16.
Since the Clare Association of New York City was founded in 1888, the officers, members and friends have joined together each October to celebrate their Clare heritage and remind themselves of the purpose and goals of the association. The upcoming ball will be held in Queens Village.
The association recently named John Hogan as their Clare man of the year for 2010. John was born in Crossbeg, Kilmurry McMahon and raised in Lislanahan, Kilkee. He emigrated from Cobh in April 1954 and arrived in New York on May 4, 1954.
John is a member and a past officer of the Doonbeg Social Club of New York. He is also a past officer of the Clare Football Club of New York. Throughout the years, he has been a life-long supporter of all Irish and Irish-American groups and associations.
“He is a remarkable friend to all and has become a surrogate father to many a young man and woman living in New York far from their own families back in Ireland,” Clare Association president Catherine Hogan commented.
“We admire and respect John for all he has done and continues to do and are proud to add the name of yet another great Clare man, John F Hogan, to our honour roll,” Ms Hogan added.
In addition, the annual presidential award will be presented on the same evening to Monica O’Connor, née O’Brien, who is a native of Kildysart.
Monica has been a dedicated and committed member of the association since she joined in September 2000. She has served as the association’s sergeant-at-arms since 2005.