Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. honored six New Yorkers at his 2006 Irish Heritage celebration on Wednesday, April 26 th.

The event, which was co-sponsored by the Brehon Law Society and the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, celebrated the contributions of the Irish-American community to the history of New York.

“ From the City’s earliest days, New York offered hope and opportunity to immigrants from Ireland. They helped make this City what it is today, by the sweat of their brow, the power of their ideas, and the strength of their leadership,” Thompson said. “Tonight, we are celebrating this legacy. We honor the many Irish-American figures in our City’s history who helped New York become a world class City. We pay tribute to the memory of the Irish New Yorkers who literally built this town.”

Thompson noted that the honorees are leaders in business, education, journalism, immigration reform, justice, and community activism, who have made extraordinary contributions to our City.

The first honoree was jurist Robert G. M. Keating. Currently, Judge Keating serves as dean of the New York State Judicial Institute and is involved in many civic and community initiatives. Previously, Judge Keating was director of the Center for Judicial Studies and a distinguished scholar-in-residence at Pace University School of Law. He also has worked as a trial attorney for the Legal Aid Society of the City of New York, chief assistant district attorney in Kings County, and coordinator of criminal justice in the Office of the Mayor. 

“The Honorable Robert G. M. Keating has made tremendous contributions to the life of our City, state, and nation, bringing vision and innovation to countless initiatives in the field of jurisprudence,” Thompson said.

The second honoree, Flora O’Neill Costelloe, is an educator and community leader. Ms. Costelloe is a former supervisor and administrator for the New York City Department of Education (DOE). She has served as educational administrator for student testing citywide for grades K-12, assistant principal at I.S. 292K, and as an adjunct lecturer of Spanish at  Kingsborough Community College and Queens College. She is a trustee and past chairperson of the DOE’s Irish-American Heritage and Cultural Committee, and also is New York coordinator of the Irish orchestra, Camerata Ireland.

“Ms. Costelloe has made great contributions to our City as an educator, and devoted her time to celebrating, exploring, and promoting a greater understanding of the experience of Irish-Americans,” Thompson said.

The next honoree, Seán Finlay, is the publisher of the Irish Echo newspaper, which is the most circulated Irish-American weekly newspaper with simultaneous distribution in the United States and in Ireland. He also is a board member of the Irish Arts Center, and of the Ireland – U.S. Council.

“Mr. Finlay has served as an important communications leader within the Irish-American community,” Thompson said.

The next honoree, Kelly Fincham, is a champion of immigrant rights. She is executive director of Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. Previously, she headed the American division of the Irish Aid Agency, GOAL, where she established the charity's online fundraising division. She also has held senior editorial posts at the New York-based newspaper Irish Voice, the Dublin-based web site IrishAbroad.com, and the Irish Independent newspaper in Ireland.

“Kelly Fincham has provided dedicated service and invaluable assistance to the Irish immigrant community and excelled as a journalist,” Thompson said.

The fifth honoree was business leader Robert Charles Golden. He is executive vice president of Prudential Financial and manages Corporate Operations & Systems, a company that provides technology, client service and administrative support to all of Prudential Financial’s business units. He also is vice chair of HeartShare Human Services, a nonprofit organization that helps children and families in need.

“Robert Charles Golden has risen to great heights in his profession and given generously of his time and support to community and charitable initiatives,” Thompson said.

The final honoree was broadcast journalist Kristen Shaughnessy. Since 1995, she has been a weekend anchor and breaking news reporter at NY1. She first worked in radio and then at a television station in upstate New York before joining the team at NY1. Recently, she was honored by Irish America Magazine as one of the Top 100 “Irish Americans of the Year." 

“Over the course of her fine career in broadcasting, Ms. Shaughnessy has excelled in her field and served as an important role model,” Thompson said.

The Tir na Gael School of Irish Dancing performed at the event. Father Peter Mahoney of Catholic Charities offered the Benediction.

To receive photographs, please contact Marla Maritzer at (212) 669-2597

or at mmaritz@comptroller.nyc.gov.