South Boston Citizens’ Association president Tom McGrath has announced the Association’s 2018 recipients of the James M. “Jimmy” Kelly/Margaret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Award for Community Service. The 2018 Shamrock Awards will be presented to Dyan LaRosa and Edward ‘Eddie’ O’Brien.
Dyan Larosa is honored for her selfless efforts in aiding those in need, and pitching in at the drop of a hat, for any benefit or worthy cause in and around the town. Having lived in South Boston for most of her life, most recently with her daughter Mari and her partner Mike McGough, Dyan was born and raised in SB, starting in the Old Colony housing development. She now resides on East Fifth Street.
Dyan graduated from Cardinal Cushing High School in 1981 and went directly to hairdressing school. She perfected her craft for a few years at other salons and then, with the help of her mother, Mary LaRosa, who passed in 1988, she opened Dyan & Company in March of 1987.
As a business owner Dyan became active in various community affairs and got involved in fundraising in the South Boston community.
“She goes above and beyond in her work in the Community and all other worthy causes in this town. Dyan is all about South Boston and its survival as a community, and her positive attitude and actions reflect her commitment and dedication to this great neighborhood,” McGrath said.
Eddie O’Brien has followed in his family’s footsteps. Eddie is a 4th generation funeral director, owner of the JF O’Brien & Sons Funeral Home. Established in 1910. Eddie has 5 children. Grace O’Brien 22, Jack and David O’Brien 7, Dylan and Deliah Malcolm 18.
Eddie’s grandfather was one of the four original sponsors of the South Boston Little League. Like his great grandfather John F. O’Brien, grandfather Edward F. O’Brien, and his father John “Jack” O’Brien, they felt it was their duty and obligation to continue to donate and assist in youth sports and organizations that help make South Boston the town it is. Granted things have changed, but the one constant is children and people in need of assistance.
“Like Dyan , Eddie is there for any community event or personal matter one may have.
I have known Eddie and his family along time and I can’t remember the family name not being involved in the community one way or another” Said McGrath.
The programs that have been near and dear to Eddie and the family for decades would be the South Boston Pop Warner, South Boston Little League, South Boston Youth Hockey, South Boston Youth Soccer, Gatey CYO Basketball, SB Girls Softball, South Boston Neighborhood House, Harry McDonough Sailing Program, Julies Family Learning Program, Gavin Foundation, Laboure Center, Health Center, Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund, and the Boys and Girls Club.
The awards will be presented at the Association’s 138th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet, to be held on Friday evening, March 16th, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center which starts at 5PM. I urge those that are planning to attend to act fast. For information on tickets call Tom McGrath at 1-857-204-5825.
