MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT Dear friends, It is with immense pride and a deep sense of commitment that I serve as President of the American Irish Association of Westchester.
As a second-generation Irish-American, my roots run deep. My parents, hailing from Mayo and Longford, embarked on a journey across the Atlantic, leaving behind their homeland, families, and friends, all in pursuit of the American dream. Their sacrifices were immeasurable, their work ethic unwavering, as they toiled tirelessly to provide for and educate their six children. From them, we inherited invaluable lessons: the unbreakable bonds of family, the steadfastness of loyalty, the warmth of generosity, the bedrock of faith, and an enduring connection to our Irish heritage. These are not just personal tenets; they are the very principles that now inspire me to lead and invigorate our Association.
For over half a century, the American Irish Association of Westchester has stood as a beacon for our community. Founded in 1974, our pioneers envisioned an organization dedicated to championing the interests and enriching the lives of Irish Americans here in Westchester. Through decades of unwavering dedication, we’ve fostered a vibrant tapestry of social engagement, impactful community initiatives, diligent cultural preservation, and enriching educational programs. Our enduring strength lies in cultivating a profound sense of belonging and celebrating the unique and vibrant identity that defines us as Irish-Americans.
While we cherish our rich history and traditions, I firmly believe we have an exciting opportunity to evolve, innovate, and expand our reach. Can we enhance our impact? Can we explore new avenues for connection? Can we make our association even more vibrant and relevant? My answer is an emphatic ‘YES!’ To achieve this vision, we are actively seeking new voices, fresh perspectives, and new members to join our ranks.
We invite you to become a part of our future. Membership is open to all of Irish descent who share our passion and desire to contribute. Joining is simple and takes just a few minutes on our website. We are specifically looking for members who can bring innovative ideas to connect with and attract a new generation of Irish-Americans, including millennials and younger members, ensuring our Association thrives well into the future.
Come join us, keep the Irish traditions alive!

I am truly honored and privileged to serve as the Chairperson of the American Irish Association of Westchester Board of Directors. As a second generation Irish American it gives me great pride to share that both my maternal grandparents were from County Galway and my paternal grandparents from County Kilkenny. I grew up in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx graduating from Visitation School, Sacred Heart High School Yonkers and Manhattan University moving with my late parents John and Catherine and my younger sister Mary to Yonkers in 1977. I have enjoyed being employed in higher education and government for over 50 years.
Indeed I am most pleased to say that I am a member of the American Irish Association since approximately 1984 and have served in the past as Financial Secretary and President. To me the American Irish Association is the premier Irish American organization in Westchester County existing now for over 50 spectacular years. We take great pride in our past and recall our history filled with many fond memories of truly dedicated and devoted people who are now of “blessed memory” and led us to the tremendous success story that we experience today. For the past fifty years the AIA of Westchester has been truly committed to promoting Irish culture, heritage, tradition and community for the membership.
So why not consider becoming and joining us as a member. You will not regret that you did so as we offer you a most warm Cead Mile Failte! Let us all work together united indeed to “Keep The Tradition Alive!
Sincerely,
Cathy Marshall
President – Maeve Scott
1st Vice President – Ron Matten
2nd Vice President – Patrick Murphy
Treasurer – Eileen Carey
Financial Secretary – Eileen O’Shea
Recording Secretary – Catherine T. Hogan
Corresponding Secretary – Mary Smith
Sergeant-at-Arms – Mary Hoar
Chair – Catherine Marshall
Seamus Galvin
Brían Costello O’Reilly
Anne McCarthy
Keith Murphy
Aishling Quinn
David Scott
Christopher Smith
Joseph Smith