40 reasons to make us proud
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
There's a lot of competition for the title of best Irish American event but for me, head and shoulders above them all, is the annual 40 under 40.
For uniquely among our many celebrations of the wealth, depth, genius and generosity of Irish America, the 40 under 40 has its eyes firmly on the future.
And important as our past and heritage are - without roots we would be hopelessly adrift - it's the next generation which will define the Irish journey in America.
"The future," said ( and as quoted, often, by former San Jose mayor and ambassador, Tom McEnery) film-maker Luis Valdez, "belongs to those who can imagine it."
And with our 40 under 40 we have assembled a band of high-flyers who can taste, see and shape the future.
They truly are a awe-inspiring bunch of remarkable role models.
From busker to banker and from tenor to troubleshooter, all vibrant life is represented by this group of forty. And though they come from many different fields of endeavor, they share a commitment to Irish America and to their local communities.
We're particularly pleased, at a time when Irish America is responding magnificently to the tragedy of Haiti, to have the chief counsel of Self Help Africa, William Galvin, and Concern-affiliated teacher, Sinead Naughton, grace this listing.
While the focus of all our 40 is on sowing the seeds of future progress - literally in the case of Groundwork Lawrence (of Massachusetts) director Heather McMann who conjures up green parks from bleak back lots.
Others keep the green of Ireland flying high whether through the Philadelphia and San Antonio Irish organizations, the New York Tenement Museum, or the bid to bring jobs and investment across the Atlantic.
But no Irish party would be complete without song and dance and on that score, this list hits the high-note. Ashley Davis, Lucy Wainwright-Roche, David O'Leary and Darrah Carr represent Irish America's new stars in the spotlight.
Equally, where you have the Irish you have politicians, and this year we're welcoming in Rep. Kevin Joyce from Chicago who follows in the footsteps of Rep. Mike Cusick of New York and Rep. Eugene O'Flaherty of Boston as a 40 under 40 face to watch.
To name all our 40, to trumpet all their triumphs - and each undoubtedly has a unique and exemplary story to tell - would undermine the sterling work of our supplement editor, Eileen Murphy, who has put together this tribute to our honorees.
It is fitting, however, to thank the lead sponsors of the business Top 40 Under 40: Kalikow, recruitlegal.com, Tourism Ireland and Mutual of America, whose dollars underpin these annual accolades.
This we can say: with the class of 2010, honored in New York this week, the future of Irish America has never been in safer hands. Go maire muid beo ar an am seo aris.
- Mairtin O Muilleoir
Publisher, Irish Echo Newspaper
