Irish Cultural Centre Employee Honored

America’s most widely-read Irish American newspaper the New York-based Irish Echo has included 23-year-old Quincy resident Colleen Griffin, who works at the , in its annual Irish 40 Under 40 list.

Griffin received the award, which honors young people of Irish heritage whose efforts make the world a better place, at Rosie O’Grady’s Manhattan Club in New York on Thursday, February 23.

“Coming just before the season of Saint Patrick, the award and the trip to New York were so exciting and I am honored to have been included with so many talented and interesting Irish and Irish American young people," Griffin said.

"After accepting my award, I was given the honor of making a stitch in the memorial flag," she said. "The flag was destroyed in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks on September 11. The flag has been touring the country and when it is complete, the 9/11 flag will become a part of the permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Center."

"The buzz at the Manhattan Club on the night was electric–something I will always remember," said Griffin, whose mother and aunt traveled to New York with her.

“Here at the , Colleen serves the cause of Irish culture in New England with flair and lots of hard work. We are so proud of her and of how she embraces the American and Irish strands of her heritage,” said Mary McTigue, executive director of the Irish Cultural Centre.

Although she grew up in Weymouth, Griffin crossed the Atlantic every summer to visit her family in Galway. Those summer adventures with her father’s family in Connemara developed her passion for all things Irish, something she also pursued as a student at Bridgewater State University (BSU.)

“My father really passed on his heritage to me. The beauty of Irish culture, music and literature are part of my DNA. So to be recognized with this award is something special for my family. Moreover, meeting such a range of honorees was an amazing networking opportunity to see what others like me are accomplishing,” said Griffin.

Taking advantage of Bridgewater State’s study abroad program, Griffin studied for a semester at Griffith College in Dublin. Irish History and Culture were among the courses she took there.

Building on her deep Irish ties, she became a dual Irish and U.S. citizen in 2005. Since graduating from Bridgewater State in 2011, she has worked at the Irish Cultural Centre of New England.

The ICCNE in Canton promotes Irish cultural, educational, sporting and social events, ensuring that Irish heritage remains strong and vibrant in the region.

There, Griffin promotes all aspects of Irish culture in the region and engages with representatives of many other local Irish groups. She has also participated in the organization of major events such as the annual Irish weekend festival hosted by the ICCNE.

Involved in making Irish culture stronger in New England, Griffin is a member of the next generation of Irish Americans who are ensuring that the Celtic heritage and tradition remains vibrant. In particular, with her fluency in social media and her communication background, she is helping spread the Irish message to the younger generation.

-Press release contributed by the Irish Cultural Centre.