On February 09, 1967, William Michael Coffey was born in the Bronx to Terrence (Terry) and Elizabeth (Phyllis) Coffey. William was the second born of seven children in a large Irish family. His father Terry was also born in the Bronx. Billy's mother Phyllis was born in Kells, County Meath, Ireland moved to America when she was 16 years old. His Irish roots run deep with his grandparents coming from County Longford, County Cavan, County Meath, and County Leitrim.

Growing up in the Bronx in a three-bedroom apartment, with seven kids, was no easy task for his parents, however, it did keep them a close-knit family to this day. in the 70's Billy's grandmother, Nellie Coffey, who was a large influence of his Irish upbringing, would regularly be seen attending any and all Irish social gatherings, fundraisers and GAA events, and there wasn't too many of those events where Billy wouldn't been seen by her side. Friday and Saturday nights were always part of his favorite memories as a child. Billy would spend most weekends at his grandmother’s apartment on Perry Avenue, in the Bronx.  Saturday nights were when family and friends sat around and sang songs and talked to the wee hours of the morning. It was then where he learned the valuable skill of mixing a "Highball" or a Tom Collins'. Who knew that bartending skill would play a major role later in his life. When Billy was almost 12 years old, the Coffey family packed up and moved to Orange County in December of '78 and they have been here ever since.

William graduated from Washingtonville High School in 1986. He spent most of his life in the construction industry. In 1996 he moved to San Diego where he managed Global Logistics, a freighting company and simultaneously operated his own moving company named We Haul. Upon his return to NY, he joined IBEW Local 164 as a communications electrician in New Jersey. For the past 20 years he has been employed at the Glezen Fisher Group, as an architectural door and hardware consultant and a manufacturers sales representative. In 2017 he formed Blackthorn Sales and Consulting Services and in 2020 purchased the Glezen Fisher Group where he still works as a consultant today.  

William is the Immediate Past President and is a proud member of Orange County AOH Joseph D. Duelk Jr Division One, in Monroe, NY. In 2018 he was elected as their Vice President In 2019 he was then elected President and honorably served as such for 4 years until he resigned in 2022. He is a ranking member on the executive board for the JDJ Corporation in Monroe, NY. William is currently on the executive board for the Mid-Hudson St Patrick’s Day Committee and has been proudly serving as the Vice President as such for the past 4 years. In 2013, William became involved with coaching Hurling and Gaelic Football for St Brendans Gaelic Football Club and shortly after was elected to their executive board as Vice President where he served from 2015-17 and then was elected President in 2018 and served until 2020.

Billy and Joanna Coffey are the proud parents of 3 amazing children and consider them their greatest accomplishments! Their children all attend Washingtonville Central School District. They all have a little piece of himself in their characters. William, who is 17 is very bright and charismatic, always lights up the room when he walks in. His beautiful, brilliant Caitlyn is 15 and is also an Aide to the Grand Marshal this year for the LAOH Jr’s, and she is the quietest one of his trio, some say she is most like Billy. His Sweet Caroline is 10 and is a combination of both William and Caitlyn and is such an extraordinary young lady.  All three of his children are active in the Irish community and all are active members of the AOH!          

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Our Lady of Knock - LAOH Division 2 

Daleann Cruver

Daleann Cruver was born and raised in the small town of Pine Bush, NY.  Growing up, her father, Donal, would always say they were Cherokee, German, Hungarian, Scottish, but his favorite was being Irish.  When he married the love of his life, Dororthy, they built a house in Pine Bush in which they lived for over 60 years. Daleann is the fourth of five girls. The girls’ names all began with “D”, and they were affectionately known around town as, “The 7 D Hydes”.

Daleann’s mother and grandmother instilled in her the teachings of the Catholic Church. Her parents were married in the Church of the Infant Savior in Pine Bush. It is here that the girls received all their sacraments from Baptism to Marriage.

Daleann married Robert Cruver, a farm boy like her father, in the same church.  They were happily married for just shy of 24 years before Bob passed on in a tragic accident in 2013.   Together they had three sons:   Matthew, an Air Force Veteran and Pennsylvania State Trooper; Scott, Manager of Body Work at Mercedes-Benz, and Brett, an HR Administrator at Legoland and recent graduate of the University of Oneonta.  Daleann is always heard saying her men are surely her greatest blessings in her life, and she can’t forget her four-legged grandchild, her son’s Corgi, Fin!

Daleann is a purchasing manager by trade and was employed by Spence Engineering for 34 years.  She currently lives in Walden and has recently worked for WineShipping.

Daleann is a firm believer in giving back to her community. Daleann has been a member of LAOH Division 2 in Cornwall since 2012, currently serving in the office of Missions and Charities. She serves as Commissioner for the Coldenham Fire District, as Co-Chairperson.  She also serves as First Vice President for the Orange County Volunteer Firemen’s Association Ladies Auxiliary, and Past Captain and Co-Captain of the Coldenham Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, with over 30 years of service.  Daleann is also a proud Blue Star Mother of the Hudson Valley, currently serving as Treasurer.

To say Daleann was proud to be nominated as the LAOH Division 2 Aide is an understatement.  She thoroughly enjoys marching in the parade every year and cannot wait to represent LAOH Division 2 and walk proudly behind Grand Marshal, Unateresa Sheahan Gormley, in the 2024 Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Parade.

 

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Mary of the Gael - LAOH Division 5

 Marie Cunningham

 

 

 

Marie Cunningham was born and raised in Athlone, Co Roscommon. She is the youngest of four children born to Dan and Phyllis Dolan and has three older brothers, Vincent, Paul & Tony. Marie enjoys returning home often to visit her family and friends.

At 17, Marie went to live in Dublin with her Aunt Angela & Uncle Patrick where she finished her education and began working at City Air Express, Dublin. She met her husband David Cunningham through work and they began dating in 1994/1995.

In 1996 David immigrated to the United States transferring to work at City Air’s JFK office in NYC. In 1998 Marie followed David to NYC, also working in the JFK office. One year later Marie & David were married, setting up residence in Flushing, New York for several years. In 2005 they moved to Orange County NY, settling in the Village of Washingtonville.

Marie and David, along with James Delaney (David’s business partner), founded a successful shipping company, 24/7 Shipping Enterprises. Since 2020 the company has divested portions of the business, changing its name to WeShip Express and then Wanhub, where Marie continues to be employed.

Marie and Dave were happily married for 15 years until his passing in May 2014. She currently resides in Warwick NY and enjoys walks with her dog Molly. Marie has been a longtime member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, having joined LAOH Whitestone Division 15 in 2003 and thereafter transferring to Division 1 in Monroe when she moved to Orange County. She is a current member of Orange County LAOH Division 5 and serves as Treasurer on the Orange County LAOH Board.

Marie is an active member of St. Stephen’s Church in Warwick, where she is involved with the St Stephen’s Garden ministry. She also volunteers her time with the Friendly visitor program in Warwick and is always one of the first to offer help to many other Irish and American based charitable organizations. In 2023 Marie was recognized as a top fundraiser for the United Hospice Annual Walk to Remember. 

 

Samuel James Gormley was born and raised in Killyclougher, Omagh, County Tyrone.  Born to John James and Dympna Gormley.  Sam known as Séamus to family in Ireland is one of four children, sisters, Emily, Eilish and Brenda. Sam was an electrician apprentice and attended Omagh Technical College before moving to work in Stuttgart, Germany for 3 years.

Sam immigrated to the United States with his friends in 1982. He worked in construction and on mausoleums during the day while bartending at night.  He studied and took city exams to secure a job in City Housing followed by the NYC Department Of Corrections, working at Rikers Island.

Sam traveled three thousand miles to NY to meet his beautiful wife, Unateresa Gormley. They moved to Greenwood Lake over 25 years ago and made the Hudson Valley their home, where they welcomed their beautiful son Shea Anthony.  Sam and Unateresa were host family for young children who were placed in their care through the U.S.- based Project Children, which brings children from Northern Ireland to America for much- needed vacations. From the peace process they are hosting and sponsoring several Interns from Ireland on the Project Children Internship Program.  Part of the program is working with Habitat for Humanity.  Denis Mulcahy Founder/Director of PCIP asked Sam & Brendan Morgan to chaperone, guide and project manage the trips with the interns to help build houses in New Orleans, Texas, Alabama and one time here in Newburgh.

Sam and Unateresa also donate storage space and help Habitat locally. Sam is a super supportive husband--always the first to help out volunteering at Festivals, Feis, Fleadh’s, Rose Of Tralee, Irish American Young Leaders and so much more.

Sam is honored to have been chosen to represent the Greenwood Lake Gaelic Cultural Society as an Aide to Grand Marshal Unateresa Gormley in the 2024 Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Parade.

 

 

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St. Brendan's Gaelic Football Club 

Aiden Patrick Mahoney, Jr

 

 

Aiden Mahoney Jr. was born on April 1st, 2001, in Nyack, NY to Aiden Mahoney Sr. of Bandon Co. Cork and Joanne Walsh Mahoney of Nyack, NY. Aiden is the eldest child in the family which includes his brother Jack and sister Kiera.

When Aiden was four years old , his family moved to Washingtonville, NY where Aiden attended Washingtonville schools. While in Washingtonville High School,  Aiden played varsity soccer, junior varsity basketball, CYO basketball and participated in other extracurricular activities before graduating in 2019. 

Aiden played Gaelic football in the U10 through U16 age groups for St. Brendan’s Gaelic Football Club in Orange County, winning multiple honors and NYGAA championships. He was a member of the first St. Brendan’s hurling team and captained the team from U12-U17. At the Continental Youth Championships, Aiden captained the NY Premier Hurling team at the U16 and U18 age groups, winning the tournament with the U18s. 

In 2019 Aiden began studying Civil Engineering at Quinnipiac University and graduated in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Aiden received his Engineer in Training license (E.I.T) and is currently working at the firm of MHE Engineering in New Windsor, NY as a Staff Engineer. 

Throughout his higher education days, until the present, Aiden continues to be involved with the GAA through refereeing and coaching underage teams, playing Gaelic Football with NY Celtics GAA Club. Aiden will be playing Hurling with the Shannon Gaels come this Spring. Throughout his life, Aiden had always remembered his roots and has always tried to stay involved with the Irish community. Aiden is honored to have been selected to represent St. Brendan’s Gaelic Football Club as an aide to the Grand Marshal, Unateresa Sheahan Gormley, in the 2024 Mid-Hudson Saint Patrick’s Parade, in Goshen, NY. 

 

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Irish Heritage Festival

 Kathy Shine

 

 

 

Kathy Shine is the oldest of four children born to Bridget and Maurice McKenna who immigrated to the USA in the late 1940’s.  Her parents hailed from Counties Derry and Fermanagh in Ulster County, N. Ireland and made their new home in St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in The Bronx.  Kathy attended the Parish grammar and high school where she met her future husband, Frank.  Kathy went on to become a Registered Nurse after graduating Queensborough College and began her nursing career in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Yonkers, NY.  

Kathy and Frank married in 1975 and went on to have four children, Erin, Gerard, Kieran, and Colleen.   The Shine’s left the good ol’ Bronx in 1984 and moved to greener pastures here in Orange County, NY and have never looked back.  They soon became involved in as many Irish groups and activities they could including; Irish step dancing for both daughters and working with the Irish Heritage Festival.  Kathy also served as Secretary on the Ladies AOH, St. Terese Division, in Middletown.   Kathy has always felt strongly about “keeping the traditions alive” and has encouraged her children to do the same with her 7 grandchildren.

Kathy recently retired after 26 years working as a psychiatric RN with Access Supports for Living.  Both she and Frank enjoy traveling whenever they can whether it be on land or sea!  They recently spent the month of September visiting 11 National Parks out west and are looking forward to making another trip to Ireland next year!  When not traveling, Kathy can be found at either the YMCA, the Goshen Senior Center or babysitting for their youngest grandchildren! 

Kathy is proud to serve as an Aid to the Parade’s Grand Marshal Unateresa Sheahan Gormley and wishes everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 

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 Mary of the Gael - LAOH 5  Junior Division

Caitlyn Elizabeth Coffey

 

 

Caitlyn Elizabeth Coffey is the daughter of William and Joanna Coffey. She is the proud sister of Will and Caroline Coffey. Caitlyn’s Irish roots stem from her father’s side of the family. Caitlyn’s Grand Mother and Great-grandmother were born in County Meath and her Great-Grandparents were from County Longford, County Cavan and Country Leitrim Her father William is the Immediate Past President Orange County AOH Division 1.

Currently, Caitlyn is a sophomore at Washingtonville H.S. She has been involved with many local fundraisers for various food banks here in Orange County. Caitlyn enjoyed playing Hurling and Irish Football for St Brendan's Gaelic Athletic Association in Monroe NY. Caitlyn is currently an Irish Step Dancer with The Sheahan Gormley School of Irish Dance.

Caitlyn is proud to be an AOH member and serves as the Junior LAOH Division 5 Recording Secretary. Caitlyn is kind and fun loving. She always has something nice to say. She certainly lights up the room when she walks in!

Caitlyn is proud to have been chosen by her sisters at LAOH Juniors-Division 5 to represent them and march behind our Grand Marshall Mrs. Unateresa Gormley. 

 

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Our Lady of Lourdes Benevolent Association

Frederick (Rick) Horn

 

Rick has been a resident of Orange County for 38 years; he and his wife, Laura, raised three children in Blooming Grove.  Their children attended Sacred Heart School in Monroe and have marched in the Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Parade with their schools for many years.  In those days the parade was hosted by the different towns and villages throughout Orange County giving a great feeling of connection between the county’s Irish communities. 

Rick is proud of his accomplishments which include attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America and later, serving as Councilman for the Town of Blooming Grove for 8 years.  He is currently the Chancellor for Our Lady of Lourdes Council 5890 of the Knights of Columbus, Washingtonville.  Rick is honored to be selected as an aide to the Grand Marshal, Unateresa Sheahan Gormley representing Our Lady of Lourdes Council 5890 in the 2024 Mid-Hudson Saint Patrick’s Parade in Goshen, NY.