NY Irish Center Place Street Co-Naming

New York City Council Member Julie Won joined the New York Irish Center, the Consul General of Ireland in New York, elected officials, and community members to celebrate the “New York Irish Center Place” street co-naming at the intersection of 50th Avenue and Jackson Avenue in Long Island City.

The New York Irish Center was founded 21 years ago as a cultural hub for Irish Americans in New York. Its roots reflect District 26’s vibrant Irish community dating back to the 1930s when Irish immigrants came to Woodside to find jobs after the Great Depression. The Center has since expanded its reach to include over 25,000 New Yorkers, serving as a hub for youth, seniors, education, and the arts.

Attending the event were: New York City Council Member Julie Won; George Heslin, Executive Director, New York Irish Center; Gerald Angley, Consul General of Ireland in New York; and Angela Reily, Wife of the New York Irish Center Founder.

“For over 20 years, the New York Irish Center has been a cornerstone of community, culture, and service in the neighborhood. It is an honor to co-name the intersection of 50th Avenue and Jackson Avenue to commemorate the Center’s legacy in our neighborhood,” said Council Member Julie Won

“The New York Irish Center community, its board of directors, staff and volunteers are truly honored that the Center’s 21-year history at 1040 Jackson Avenue is being honored with this unique street co-naming recognition. We are deeply grateful to NYC Council Member Julie Won and the wider New York City Council for this honor while supporting our mission of community, culture, and care,” said George C. Heslin, Executive Director, New York Irish Center. “It means so much that New York Irish Center will be the first Irish institution in New York City’s history to have a street named after it. This is a testament to our founders Fr. Colm Campbell and Mr. Paddy Reilly, who 21 years ago had a simple vision of creating a space for community to gather. Today, I am honored to lead the Center alongside board chairman Mr. Sean Mackin, as we continue to expand its programs and ensure an Irish welcome for all, especially our magnificent immigrant communities from across the world.”

New York City Council Member Julie Won joined the New York Irish Center, the Consul General of Ireland in New York, elected officials, and community members to celebrate the “New York Irish Center Place” street co-naming at the intersection of 50th Avenue and Jackson Avenue in Long Island City.