"AROUND THE EMERALD GREEN"

ORGANIZED IN 1956

REORGANIZED IN 1975

THE GRAND COUNCIL OF EMERALDS

Emerald a Chara/Dear Emerald

The Grand Council’s next Affiliated Presidents and Delegates meeting will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The meeting will commence at 7:30 p.m., thereafter, German beer, German food, and Emerald fellowship will be served. The meeting will take place at The Manor Oktoberfest of Forest Hills at 7311 Yellowstone Blvd, Forest Hills, NY

The Grand Council is committed to connecting affiliated organizations and encouraging them to support each other's events with reciprocal agreements of like-kind donations.

To ensure the best possible promotion for your event, please email the flyer and any pertinent information to info@gcues.org at least two to three months in advance—also, mail pictures with a short narrative from the event to the same email address.

I look forward to seeing you at The Manor Oktoberfest of Forest Hills on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

Go bráthach

Fraternally,

Martin Bellew

Uachtarán

President

NEWS

APRIL 26, 2025

On April 26, 2025, the New York Police Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drums held its annual Saint Patrick’s Day dance at Mount Saint Michael’s Academy in the Bronx.

Our good friend Patrick Hendry, President of the NYCPBA, was honored as the Man of the Year. Brian Coughlan, our GCUES 2017 Irishman of the Year and 2017 Grand Marshal’s Aide to Michael J. Dowling, was awarded the prestigious Sergeant John Tansey Award

MAY 7, 2025

President Martin Bellew presided over the attendance of the Emerald Delegation at the National Police Defense Association’s 30th Anniversary Dinner. The sold-out event, which featured 750 attendees, was held on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, at Russo’s on the Bay, situated in Howard Beach, New York. The honorees included the 2025 Man of the Year, Thomas “Tom” Homan, the US Border Czar, and the 2025 Woman of the Year, Admiral Zeita Merchant, the U.S. Coast Guard. Special Recognition to Joe Occhipinti, the Founder and Executive Director of the NPDF, for his unwavering support towards the Law Enforcement community and their families.

The National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF) is a nationally recognized and congressionally recognized IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organization that provides complimentary medical and legal assistance to the law enforcement community. Additionally, the NPDF funds various public safety and law enforcement initiatives.

The NPDF was established in 1995 by retired Federal Agent Joseph Occhipinti and his wife, Angela, as a response to the increasing trend of dedicated law enforcement officials becoming targets of heightened armed assaults and fabricated misconduct allegations perpetrated by criminal elements. Occhipinti, who had served as a PBA President for 18 years, recognized the paramount importance of establishing a non-profit police foundation to safeguard and support the efforts of law enforcement officials across the nation.

Today, the National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF) has amassed over 210,000 members and supporters across the nation. Furthermore, NPDF membership and representation have been expanded internationally to encompass Asia, Europe, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. What distinguishes the NPDF is its unique approach of offering membership to both civilians and professionals with the objective of fostering positive police relations.

I extend an invitation to all Emeralds, family members, and friends to join and support this remarkable organization. The NPDF membership is open to active or retired public safety officers, civilians and professionals, business and corporate entities, and students.

About the NPDF

Join the NPDF

Highlights of the NPDF 30th Anniversary Dinner

MAY 22, 2025

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, over 450 individuals gathered at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, Nassau County, New York, for the Bi-Annual Installation Dinner and Dance, organized by the Nassau County Police Emerald Society. Janice DelColle-Wantagh Inn Bartender was honored as the Irish Person of the Year, Robert Phaneuf-NCPD Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team was recognized as the Emerald Society Police Officer of the Year, and Michael McNiff-Proprietor of The Irish Poet, Wantagh, NY was awarded the President Award. Additionally, the outgoing President, Scott McPhail, was commended for his exceptional contributions and leadership. The event featured a performance by the Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and an exceptional group of young Irish step dancers, entertaining the audience.

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Board who were sworn in by the Honorable Patrick J. Ryder, Police Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department :

* Casey Quinn - President

* Timothy Rizzuto- Ist Vice President

* Adrian Lally - 2nd Vice President

* Kristen Motschwiller - Treasurer

* Chris Campbell - Secretary

* Billy McEnroe - Sgt. at Arms

Board of Directors

Sean P. Rourke, Oyster Bay Cove PD , Frank T. Arcuri, NCPD, Thomas Arcuri, NCPD Michael Pitcher, Old Brookville PD (Retired) , Scott Smith, NYS Park Police (Retired) Raymond Thomas, NCPD, Robert Blum, NCPD (Retired) and Scott C. McPhail NCPD

Chaplain

Fr. Christopher Costigan

Legal Counsel

Gregory Caggiano LLP

Keith Lavallee, Esq.

Congratulations to President Casey Quinn, Tim Rizzuto, Adrian Lally, and the entire dinner committee for organizing another remarkable Emerald Society event.

NCPES Website

FYI

A Brave Marine Passes

Cullen Crowley, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who then joined the Marine Corps, has died after a brave battle against cancer. Cullen was the...

New York Sanitation Worker Life 1980s vs 90s vs Today | Experts By Decade | Daily Mail

Ever wonder what happens to your trash when you put it on the curb? In this episode of Experts By Decade, we talk to highly distinguished members of New York City's Department of Sanitation. They'll discuss how what tools they used, what trucks they drove, some amazing and horrific items found in the trash, and shed light on whether the rat problem has gotten any better.

GCUES President Martin Bellew, a retired DSNY Chief of Department and DSNY Emerald Timmy Fox are featured in this documentary.

Death of 'Deportee' Noel Gaynor

Noel Gaynor, who for many years called America his home even if the U.S. government was unwilling to formally designate the U.S. as his fully legal...

Irish Baseball Society

Celebrate the Irish impact on baseball history with the Irish Baseball Hall of Fame. For love of the game and Irish pride!

IABS Partnership form

Irish Examiner USA

May 22. 2025

DiNapoli Hosts Farewell to CG Helena Nolan 6/2/25

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli will host a farewell event for Irish Consul General in New York Helena Nolan also honoring Eddie Boles (FDNY ES) GCUES 20020-2021 Irishman of the Year and Mike McGuire Political Director, Mason Tenders District Council of Greater New York and Long Island.

The Emerald Isle Immigration Centre is hosting its biggest fundraiser of the year on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025. The Celtic Cruise will board for the usual time of 6PM at Chelsea Piers, Pier 62 at W 23rd & 12th Ave. The cruise promises to be an unforgettable evening on the Hudson River, complete with a food buffet, an open bar, captivating live music, and entertainment against the backdrop of breathtaking Manhattan views.

The Celtic Cruise is the AOH Division 7’s annual fundraiser in support of The Emerald Isle Immigration Center, and each year the funds raised help support our immigration, legal and social services and allows us to serve clients of over 100 nationalities! Tickets are priced at $125, and we also offer sponsorship packages for those looking to further support our cause.

Don't miss Det. Barney Ferguson Funds 10th Annual Dinner!

Reserve Now for Aug. 21, 2025! Detective Barney Ferguson Emerald Legacy Fund Greetings

New York Irish Society's Mortgage Default and Letitia James Hypocrisy | Irish People (originally published 3/21/24)

The American Irish Historical Society, are in deep financial trouble according to Amanda Devine in the New York Post with their grand old building on Fifth.

Donald Trump: Is Irish America moving towards the Republican Party?

by Paul Colgan

Trump's return to the White House reflects a broader move in America towards the right of poIitics.

As our BBC 1 documentary, Trump, Tariffs and Us, has discovered, he has garnered support for this new direction from many different elements within American society, not least Irish America.

Watch Trump, Tariffs and US

We're Loading Up the Box: A Pictorial Collection of Firefighting in New York City by Matt Daly

In 1977 Matt’s passion for fire photography began and in 1981 he was named the Official Photographer for the New York City Fire Department Emerald Society Pipes & Drums. Matt became the recipient of the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) Award for Excellent Fire Photography in 1987.

IRISH CONNECTION DOCUMENTARYY

If you haven't have an opportunity to watch the Irish Connection Documentary that was produced by the United States Law Enforcement Foundation please do so.

Watch the Irish Connection Documentary

2025 Irish Labor Awards

The Irish Echo Labor Awards 2025 will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at The Edison Ballroom, located at 240 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036. Nominations are currently open for submission.

UPCOMING EMERALD EVENTS

Affiliated Presidents:

The Grand Council is committed to connecting affiliated organizations and encouraging them to support each other's events with reciprocal agreements of like-kind donations.

The updated GCUES Directory, which includes the contact information of every board member, director, and trustee, was emailed to your fellow Presidents. Please make sure to use it.

To ensure the best possible promotion for your event, please email the flyer and any pertinent information to info@gcues.org at least two to three months in advance.

Let's unite to make each Emerald event a success!

June 4, 2025

June 18, 2025

June 24, 2025

July 10, 2025

August 6, 2025

August 21, 2025

October 27, 2025

Employment Resources Updates

Visit our employment resources page or our Facebook page for the most recent job postings.

If your agency, union, or trade organization has any employment announcements, kindly forward them to info@gcues.org.

Seize this opportunity to identify the perfect job for yourself, a friend, or a family member by exploring our resources.

Free training and pay available with union apprenticeships in NY

Are you looking for training that can lead to a career? In New York State, the Department of Labor posts union apprenticeship announcements for residents seeking to acquire new skills while earning a paycheck. Apprentices in the ironworkers program train for free and earn a starting pay of $30.36 per hour, [...]

MTA is hiring for jobs with no education requirements or experience

Are you searching for a new job that doesn't require a college degree or prior work experience? Through April 30, the MTA is accepting online applications for bus operators. The starting salary ranges from $26.19 to $27.79, depending on the location, which can increase to $37.42 after six years.