This article is from page 2 of the 2011-09-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
KILRUSH native Noel Kilkenny will be named as Clareman of the Year at a gala ceremony in New York next month. The Clare Association of New York will host its 123rd Annual Gala Ball on October 15 and, as part of these celebrations, Mr Kilkenny is to be awarded the prestigious title.
Kilkenny is currently posted as the Irish Consul General of Ireland to New York and has clearly made a big impression on his Clare brethren in the Big Apple.
“From the very start, Noel made his mark in the Irish and Irish-Ameri- can communities in New York. He stepped into his new position full force upon his arrival in New York just over a year ago,” said Cathy Hogan, president of the Clare Association in New York.
“In a very short time, he has endeared himself to the people of New York, and the Clare Association takes great pride in the fact that we can claim him as one of our own.
“We are grateful to Noel for his dedication and support of the Irish and Irish-American communities and are proud to add the name of yet another great Clareman to our honour roll this year.”
The Cappa native was educated at Kilrush CBS primary school and at boarding school in Waterford before going to college at UCD. He spent three years in the Irish Department of Justice before he began his career with the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1977.
As well as service as the Consulate General of Ireland in New York, he has also formerly served as the Irish ambassador to Estonia.
The Consulate General’s job in New York is to provide help to Irish citizens in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Since the County Association of New York was founded in 1888, its officers, members and friends have joined together each October to celebrate their Clare heritage.
Anyone who wishes to attend the annual dinner dance or has relatives in New York who may wish to attend is asked to e-mail coclareassociation NYC@gmail.com.
Mr Kilkenny is married to Hanora O’Dea, who is also a proud west Clare woman. They visit west Clare on a regular basis and were the honoured quests at a civic reception in the Vandeleur Gardens last year.