The Irish Emigrant, in partnership with IrishCentral and theIrish Voicenewspaper, the largest Irish media group in New England, is proud to announce the winners of the inaugural Irish Leaders of New England Awards. 

This annual award is designed to recognize leaders in the Irish community of New England for their success and for their contribution to society.

In a joint statement Connell Gallagher, Publisher Irish Emigrant and Niall O'Dowd Publisher IrishCentral and Irish Voice newspaper stated: "We are delighted and honored to present the Irish leaders in New England awards which will be an annual event. The extraordinary accomplishments of this year's honorees show what a successful, vital and caring community the Irish throughout New England are”.

"We believe this type of recognition is long overdue.  With so many individuals and organizations worthy of gratitude and honor, it was a difficult task to narrow the list to just a few recipients. Our congratulations to the Irish Leaders of New England, 2012"

The Inaugural Irish Leaders List 2012 is:

Irish Person of the Year - Dr. John L. Lahey, President of Quinnipiac University, CT, Founder, Ireland's Great Hunger Museum
Leader in Business - Dave Greaney, Synergy Investments
Leader in Law - Aidan Browne, Sullivan & Worcester LLP
Leader in Irish Hospitality - John Joe Somers, Somers Pubs
Leader of Tomorrow - Joseph P. Kennedy, III - candidate for congress
Leader in Community Service - Sr. Marguerite Kelly & Fr. John McCarthy, Irish Pastoral Centre
Leader in Bridging Communities - Sr. Lena Deevy, Irish International Immigrant Center

The Irish Leaders of New England awards will be presented at a ceremony to be held on October 11th at the Irish Consulate in Boston. In the coming weeks, we will feature articles profiling our honorees and provide details on the many great causes that they champion.