PHOTO — 2016 Irishman of the Year James W. Morrissey waves after revealing the green street sign designating the Campbell Avenue entrance of City Hall “James W. Morrissey Square” for the next year at West Haven’s 25th St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Thursday, March 17. Looking on are, from left, Morrissey’s wife, Councilwoman Tracy A. Morrissey, D-8, Mayor Edward M. O’Brien, Morrissey’s daughter Caitlin Morrissey and master of ceremonies David Coyle. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)
WEST HAVEN, Nov. 29, 2016 — The St. Patrick’s Day Committee will bestow its Irish Person of the Year award on St. Patrick’s Day at the city’s 26th annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.
The committee will fete the 2017 recipient by hanging a green street sign that names City Hall Square after the person for a year. The 2016 awardee, Board of Education and Democratic Town Committee Chairman James W. Morrissey, will take home his sign at the start of the ceremony.
The honor is given each year to an Irish resident, or couple, who epitomizes service in West Haven’s vibrant Irish-American community.
Accompanied by Celtic music played by a bagpiper, members of the Police Department and West Shore Fire Department emerald societies will escort the honoree to the Campbell Avenue entrance of City Hall at noon Friday, March 17, for the special recognition. A corned beef and cabbage lunch will follow in the basement conference room of City Hall, 355 Main St.
The St. Patrick’s Day Committee, steered by Chairwoman Joanne Conlan, includes the lifeblood of West Haven’s Irish-American society, such as members of the Irish-American Club and former honorees, as well as former and current city, fire and police officials.
Stay here for more details.
— MICHAEL P. WALSH, Public Relations Information Coordinator