Suffolk County Legislator Steven J. Flotteron was joined by members of the legislature and hundreds of community members to mark Suffolk County’s first Irish-American Heritage Celebration at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. Each Legislative District recognized someone who has contributed to the betterment of our Irish population. Legislator Flotteron recognized Bay Shore’s
Ronnie Allen as the 11th Legislative District’s honoree for his life-long commitment in promoting Irish culture, including running dances, encouraging Irish step and Ceili dancing, putting on concerts, and introducing many great Irish artists to our area. Allen’s proudest accomplishment was forming the Hibernian Festival Singers in 1980 with a dozen members and today 75-strong, singing the Latin Mass in the Vatican and in many parts of Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland and in Ireland and in many of the great cathedrals around NY and LI, particularly St. Patrick’s Church in Bay Shore where they have starred in their annual Christmas concert for the last 35 years.
In 2018, the Suffolk County Legislature unanimously passed a bill brought forward by Flotteron to establish March as Irish American Heritage Month. This recognition is a great opportunity to celebrate the nearly 33 million Americans with Irish ancestry and their tremendous contributions to the betterment of our country.
Pictured: Mr. Ronnie Allen and Legislator Steven J. Flotteron.