The Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated Irish-American Heritage Month on Monday night with a ceremony honoring two outstanding community leaders: Declan Farrell, community advocate, Co-Chair of the White Plains St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and owner of Dunne's Pub where he has hosted countless charitable events for the community and Frank O’Keefe, a 45-year resident of Westchester County, who has dedicated much of his life to serving the Irish-American community in numerous organizations including the Kerry Association, the Grand Council of United Emerald Societies and the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

Board Chair Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) convened the ceremony, welcoming guests and the Board’s honorees. “Tonight, we celebrate the remarkable impact our Irish-American community members have made on Westchester County. Our honorees have enriched our cultural landscape through their generosity, commitment, and passionate embrace of their heritage. Their dedication has transformed countless lives, and we're privileged to honor their exceptional service to our community,” he said.

The program began with a moving rendition of the American and Irish National Anthems performed by The Honorable Dennis Power, former Chief of Staff of Legislator Benjamin Boykin II (D- White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison), President of New York State Association of Counties and Padraig Allen, Leader of the White Plains-based McLean Avenue Band.

Boykin (D- White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison) presented the first proclamation to Declan Farrell and said, “Declan Farrell has been a steadfast champion of the Irish community, tirelessly supporting events that celebrate its rich heritage. He has made a lasting impact on countless nonprofit organizations across White Plains and Westchester County. Always eager to give back, Declan has graciously opened the doors of his businesses to provide a platform for showcasing the incredible talents of local singers and dancers, elevating their voices and performances for all to admire. His commitment to the community is truly inspiring.”

Legislator David J. Tubiolo (D- Yonkers, Mount Vernon) presented the second proclamation to Frank O’Keefe and said, “I am delighted to have the honor and privilege of recognizing my dear friend, Frank O’Keefe, as we celebrate Irish-American Heritage Month at the Westchester County Board of Legislators.  Frank and his family have been tireless advocates for the Irish community, both here in the United States and on the Emerald Isle.  He is a proud family man and dedicated servant to our community, and I cannot thank him enough for his contributions.”

View Monday night’s event program here.

Immediately following the celebration, the Board of Legislators convened a regular meeting in which it took action on behalf of the people of Westchester by unanimously voting to join the fight against Con Edison’s proposed double-digit price hikes and become a party in the major New York State rate case with County Executive Ken Jenkins. 

Read more about the Board taking action to fight Con Edison’s rate increases here.

Watch the full meeting here.