Luck of the Irish: Cheshire's Lahey Honored as Irish American of the Year

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, John L. Lahey was presented with the Irish American of the Year Award by Irish America Magazine.

The presentation took place March 15 at a luncheon ceremony at the New York Yacht Club. In attendance was U.S. President Bill Clinton, who congratulated Lahey, the president of Quinnipiac University, on the award.

"This is one of the greatest days of my life,” said Lahey, who was honored for his work in pioneering collegiate study of Ireland's Great Hunger and his commitment to promoting Irish-American heritage.

Lahey, a resident of Cheshire who has been involved with the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade for more than 30 years, currently serves as vice chairman of the Parade Committee. He also was the grand marshal of the parade in 1997.

Lahey presented President Clinton with a copy of the Quinnipiac University Press book, Celebrating 250 Years of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade, which chronicles the Irish-American pride that has fueled 250 years of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Filled with historical accounts and photographs, the book preserves the past and celebrates the present.

In addition to honoring Lahey, Irish America Magazine inducted the following Irish luminaries into its Hall of Fame: Dr. Kevin Cahill, president-general of the American Irish Historical Society; U.S. President Bill Clinton; Mary Higgins Clark, leading suspense novelist and grand marshal of the 2011 New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade; Charles Feeney, who Time magazine recognized as one of the greatest philanthropists of the 20th century; Michael Flatley, creator of “Lord of the Dance” and one of the originators of “Riverdance;” William J. Flynn, former chairman and CEO of Mutual of America; Denis Kelleher, founder and chairman of Wall Street Access; Jean Kennedy Smith, former ambassador to Ireland; and Dr. James Watson, the scientist who won the Nobel Prize for his co-discovery of DNA, which has been described as the most important scientific breakthrough of the 20th century.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized with such a remarkable group of people," Lahey said.