The Grand Council’s upcoming Affiliated Presidents and Delegates meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The meeting will commence at 7:30 p.m., and refreshments, including Emerald fellowship, will be provided. The meeting will be held at Manor Oktoberfest of Forest Hills at 73-11 Yellowstone Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375.

Our Four Annual Cigar Night will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026 at Vetro Restaurant and Lounge by Russos on the Bay 164-49 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, New York, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Please see the next section below for more details.

The Emerald Dinner Circuit runs from October to May and includes several notable gatherings. The NYCD ES 71st Anniversary Dinner takes place on Friday, October 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Antun’s of Queens Village. The FDNY ES 70th Anniversary Dinner follows on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the same venue. These two occasions mark only the initial months of the circuit. Additional details and flyers can be found in the Emerald events section.

On October 1, 2026, I was glad to announce that Dennis J. Schock, a proud Irish American, President of the Uniformed Sanitationmen's Association Local 831, and member of the DSNY Emerald Society, will receive the 2027 Irishman of the Year honor. This award will be presented during the GCUES Irishman of the Year dinner on Wednesday, January 20, 2027, at Antun's of Queens Village. On Wednesday, March 17, 2027, Dennis will act as the GCUES aide to the NYC Saint Patrick's Day Parade grand marshal, John Samuelsen, who was the 2025 GCUES Irishman of the Year aide to the Grand Marshal. Additional details can be found in the Emerald events section.

Please save the date for the Delegates Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. The gathering will occur at the Irish Poet, 1891 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793. This social event is open to everyone.

The Grand Council is committed to fostering connections among affiliated organizations and encouraging mutual support through reciprocal agreements of like-kind donations.

To optimize the promotion of your event, kindly submit the flyer and any pertinent information to info@gcues.org at least two months prior to the event. Additionally, please provide photographs accompanied by concise descriptions of your event to the same email address so that we may include them in next month’s “Around the Emerald Green Newsletter.” If you publish the event on social media, please tag us.

We eagerly anticipate your presence at Manor Oktoberfest on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

On Monday, September 22, 2026, President Martin Bellew led the Emerald contingent to Ireland House for the Irish Consulate’s annual September Community Reception. Consul General Gerald Angley hosted the event alongside Helen McEntee TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defense, and Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora.

Minister McEntee also launched 'The Green Pages', which will serve as a directory of Irish, Irish American, and Ireland-affiliated groups across the region managed by the Consulate General of Ireland in New York: Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

To submit your organization for consideration, complete the application in full here and send to greenpages@dfa.ie.

*Note: only not-for-profit 501(C)3 organizations will be considered to updated editions.

All questions about the Green Pages may be directed to: greenpages@dfa.ie

You can read the first edition of The Green Pages .

The Grand Council is on page 27.

SPECIAL CIGAR NIGHT UPDATE 

The response to Cigar Night has been strong. We have 150 paid cigar enthusiasts as of today, and we are nearing our fourth straight sell-out.

The following Gold Level Sponsors are already confirmed: 

• CIGAR sponsor 
• BAR sponsor 
• FOOD sponsor 
• DESSERT sponsor 

We have a Gold Level SPECIAL sponsorships, along with Silver Level and Bronze Level sponsorship opportunities available.

DRESS CODE FOR THE NIGHT IS BUSINESS CASUAL

This event is expected to reach to sell out; please plan accordingly. Tickets will not be available at the door.

October 10, 2026

October 16, 2026

OCTOBER 22, 2026

OCTOBER 26, 2026

December 2, 2026

JANUARY 15, 2027

JANUARY 27, 2027

MARCH 12, 2027

SAVE THE DATE

FDNY ES IRELAND TRIP

MAY 13-22, 2027

9/11 Memorial & Museum

On September 23, 2026 Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York alongside representatives from the FDNY ES, NYPD ES, and PAPD ES. Minster McEntee laid a wreath to honor the victims, survivors, first responders, and families impacted by the attacks.

National AOH 25th Anniversary Memorial

On Saturday September 19th, Port Authority Police Emerald Society President James Dunphy & Treasurer Christopher McCutchan were present at the National Ancient Order of Hibernians 25th Anniversary Memorial of 9/11. 

The day began with a Memorial Mass at historic St. Peter's Church which included the blessing of the installed plaque bearing the name of the 18 AOH members lost on September 11th 2001, 8 of which were Port Authority Police Officers.

The procession then marched through the streets to the Irish Hunger Memorial at North End Avenue & Vesey Street for the first of three wreath laying ceremonies.

The contingent then headed to the WTC Memorial where they were lead in by the Port Authority Police Honor Guard & Pipes and Drums Band. After a brief prayer ceremony, the PAPD Emerald Society laid a second wreath in front of the inscribed names of the 37 PAPD lost at the South Reflecting Pool.

From there, the ceremonial march lead to FDNY 10 House for the final wreath laying. The event was capped off with a repass where ceremonial challenge coins bearing the names of the PAPD AOH Members lost were distributed to those in attendance. 

The Port Authority Police Emerald Society remembers and honors our lost from 25 years prior and vows to never forget.

James Dunphy

President

PAPD ES

GCUES Past President and DSNY Emerald Frank O'Keefe requested that we share the upcoming meeting schedule for The Narrowbacks PFC. Thomas F. Minogue Chapter and some background information.

The Narrowbacks were established roughly fifteen years ago by the late Danny Lynch, a retired NYPD detective and proud NYPD Emerald who formerly managed Katie Cassidy’s Restaurant in Kew Gardens, New York. The initial group brought together business professionals, bartenders, civil servants, elected officials, journalists, restaurant owners, veterans, union tradesmen, union officials, lawyers, and judges. They gathered around with their shared Irish heritage and a pride in being Americans. That tradition and networking still carries on today.

The chapter is named in honor of PFC Thomas J. Minogue. A native of Inwood in Manhattan, Minogue was serving as a medic in the 25th Infantry Division when he sacrificed his life in combat March 21, 1967, an action that ultimately merited a posthumous Distinguished Service Cross for the fallen soldier.

Minogue was killed in action during a search and destroy mission in Kontum Province when his battalion was attacked by North Vietnamese troops.

“When the company commander was seriously wounded, Private Minogue ran through thirty meters of intense enemy fire to shield his commander with his body and treat his wounds,” the Distinguished Service Cross citation reads. “As the enemy charged the position, he ignored the intrinsic peril and threw himself across his leader and consequently received multiple gunshot wounds.”

Minogue’s actions meant his commander could call for air support and medical evacuation for the wounded. Though Minogue was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest military award for combat heroism, there have still been efforts to upgrade his decoration by his family, friends and comrades. The New York National Guard’s Armed Forces Reserve Center in Farmingdale, NY is named in his honor.

The Narrowbacks gather each month on the third Thursday at The Heritage, 964 McLean Avenue in Woodlawn, Bronx, on the Yonkers side of the street, except during July and August. During those months, they meet at The Saloon, 1016 W. Beech Street in Long Beach, NY 11561. The August gathering includes the annual Tommy “Nutsy” Ryan Memorial Luncheon hosted by the Narrowbacks.

The Narrowbacks next meeting is Thursday, October 15, 2026 at the crack of Noon at The Heritage.

Fraternally,

Frank O'Keefe

2027 SCHEDULE

On November 5-8, 2026, National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies (NCLEES) will host the 32nd Fall Business Meeting in Philadelphia PA. 

NCLEES Fall Conference

November 5. 8, 2026

Hotel: Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing

201 South Christopher Columbus Blvd.

Philadelphia , PA 19108

215-521-6500

Business Meeting held: Saturday Nov. 7, 2026 at 10am.

Room Rate: $179.00 per night, plus tax.

Hosted by: Philedephia Pipes & Drums

Contact Anthony "Tony" Boyle

Irishtony@earthlink.net 

Note: Being on the east coast many people will be attending. Book your room

 early. All are invited.

Police Week- 2027

NCLEES 33rd Annual Convention

May 14, 2027, Friday at 10am

Book your room early.

Host Hotel: Arlo Hotel- 333-H street NW Wash. DC 20001

202-737-7000

General Information:

Patrick O'Brien

President, Police Emerald Society of Washington DC

Email: Brooklynpat7200@gmail.com

        Origins of the National Conference 

      Of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies

               By: Patrick F. O’Brien

The origins of the National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies (NCLEES) can be traced back to earlier organizations in the New York and New Jersey area. The Irish American public safety experience is the story of America.

The first Emerald Society was started on March 16, 1953, by New York City Police Department. The first president was Henry J. Fitzgerald. The New York City Correction Department started the first Correction Emerald Society on November 17, 1955, with James W. Muley as the first president. The New York City Fire Department started the first Fire Emerald Society on March 17, 1956, with Eugene O’Kane as its first president. These Emerald Societies were created to promote and preserve the Irish heritage and traditions within their respective department, as well as to honor the accomplishments of Irish Americans in law enforcement and the fire service

The Grand Council of United Emerald Societies (GCUES) was formed on June 29,1956

 (reorganized February 18, 1975) out of the New York City area and marked a significant step towards uniting all under a single banner. William J. McGowan (NYPD-ES) served as the inaugural President. By 1958, the Grand Council had grown to encompass 65,000 members across various Emerald and Irish societies. Due to the large number of Irish organizations in different professions in the New York area, there was a need for organizations to communicate and network with each other. The Grand Council encompasses emerald societies of various occupations including; police, fire, correction, board of education, sanitation, transit, utility and telephone professions. The cornerstone of GCUES lies in its commitment to effective networking, communication, engaging in political action and supporting its organizations and parades. Most of these organizations were from the tri-state metropolitan area surrounding New York; however, today they have expanded and have affiliates in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington DC and one organization operates nationwide. 

In 1994, the Grand Council of Police and Fire Emerald Societies of New Jersey was formed. This is a statewide organization focused on the police and fire professions. Each county within the state has a chapter and members were comprised of the police and fire professions. 

The origins of the National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies have an interesting history, winding through various northeast cities and states. A path traveled through Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC.

Since the inception of Police Week in Washington DC in 1982, large numbers of Emerald Society members and Pipe bands attended the various activities in the nation’s Capital. Patrick O’Brien, a member of the Police Emerald Society of the Washington DC Area attended these events each May. At various ceremonies, government leaders would give high praise to the exceptional work of law enforcement within various ethnic groups in public safety. However, the Irish was never mentioned; although, half the names on the wall of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were of Irish descent. O’Brien felt there was a need to have national organization in Washington DC to preserve the legacy, culture and accomplishments of the Irish Americans in public safety professions.  

In 1993, O’Brien was the President of the Police Emerald Society of Washington DC and solicited the help of Vice President Brian Manion of starting a national organization of public safety emerald societies. In 1994, Pres. O’Brien and V.P. Manion asked the help of Thom Hoban (Philadelphia E.S.) and William “Billy” O’Brien (Boston ES) of starting a national emerald society. In the 1990’s, Thom Hoban and William O’Brien were the “roaming ambassadors of the emerald societies” visiting different cities and attending various emerald events. To get this “national emerald society” off the ground, O’Brien and Manion solicited the help of the Police Emerald Society of Washington DC (PESWDCA). They secured funding from the board for the “national emerald society” concept of uniting public safety Emerald Societies. The first phase was on May 14, 1994, with a gathering of various members of emerald societies at “Kelly’s Irish Times” pub on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. The purpose of the gathering was to gauge the interest of starting a national emerald society. Later that evening, Police Piper Jimmy O’Connell (Illinois Emerald Society Pipes and Drums) made his initial appearance and played at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at midnight.

The founding meeting was held on May 14, 1995, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. Eighteen Emerald Societies were in attendance and tentatively approved national by-laws and moved forward with the national organization. Thomas Creegan (NYPD-ES) made a proposal, which was subsequently adopted that the organization be named the: “National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies.” Louis Walker (Nassau Co. PES) was a strong advocate of the idea and helped garner support for the young national organization. Michael Donegan (Legal Counsel for NY Emeralds Grand Council) was an early supporter and became the first legal Counsel for NCLEES. 

 Also in attendance at this initial meeting was Mike Mitchell (Florida Pipes and Drums Corp), who made a presentation of a commemorative display case of public safety pipe bands. It was Mitchell’s vision to have an annual pipe band memorial march in Washington DC during Police Week. After the meeting, the display case was carried over to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (NLEOM) in which a small service was conducted. After the service the display case was presented to Craig Floyd, the Chairperson of the NLEOM. Through Mike Mitchell’s idea and efforts, this became the origins of the National Memorial March and Service. 

Later that evening, Piper Jimmy O’Connell (Illinois Emerald Society and Pipe Band continued the tradition of playing his bagpipes at midnight at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during Police Week. Jimmy O’Connell will forever be known as the original “Midnight Piper”. The Midnight Piper has been incorporated as part of NCLEES events during Police Week. Over the years, the Midnight Piper has been expanded to three nights and has become a signature event during Police Week.  

On October 29, 1995, in a meeting in Philadelphia, 21 Emerald Societies officially approved the Constitution and By-Laws of the National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies. 

Over the years, NCLEES has been recognized by the United States Congress, City of Omaha, Nebraska, City of San Francisco, and the City of Boston. Many members of Congress, Chiefs of Police and local leaders have attended and spoke at NCLEES events. 

Through the vision of Patrick O’Brien, the National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies has become a recognized national organization of individual Emerald Societies and a strong part of the fabric of the public safety community. 

As of 2026, NCLEES has 88 chapters in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Due to our long and proud history in the public safety professions, during Police Week in 2024, NCLEES was honored at a reception at the Irish Ambassador’s residence in Washington DC. honoring Irish American law enforcement officers. 



Through the efforts of the following dedicated individuals help establish the success of NCLEES of the years to include: Barney Ferguson & John McLaughlin & Raymond McGowan (NYPD-ES-NY), Michael Newton (Baltimore ES-MD), Joseph Dowling & Brian Manion (PES-DC), Louis Walker (Nassau Co. ES-NY), Michael Donegan (NY-GCUES), Thom Hoban (Philadelphia ES-PA), William O’Brien (Boston ES-MA), Dennis Long & Robert Sullivan (Jersey City-ES-NJ), Brian J. Sharkey (NYCD-ES-NY), Mike Flannery and Jimmy O’Connell (Illinois-Chicago ES). 

The cornerstone of NCLEES is to unite Emerald Societies under a national banner. To recognize the accomplishments of Irish Americans in the public safety fields. To preserve history and culture of Irish Americans in this country. Finally, to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.

The adopted motto of the Emerald Societies is: Keep the Irish Tradition alive!

Author: Patrick F. O’Brien

NCLEES Historian

Updated: 07/17/26

1st Annual Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame Fall Classic Dinner

Saturday, November 21, 2026

Hunter's Green Country Club

18101 Longwater Run Dr, Tampa, FL 33647

6:30-7:30pm: Cocktail Hour

7:30-10:30pm: Main Event