| South Boston Citizens’ Association President Tom McGrath announced the Association’s 2019 recipients of the James M. “Jimmy” Kelly/Margaret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Awards for Community Service. The 2019 Shamrock Awards will be presented to Corey Morrissey, Ellen McDonough and Bobby “Red” O’Shea for their 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. These awards will be presented at the Annual Evacuation day Banquet to be held on March 15, 2019 at the South Boston Convention Center. Corey Morrissey has been involved in community service since beginning a program at the age of 21, which provided day trips for the teens in South Boston. She worked tirelessly gathering donations from merchants and organizing day trips, providing transportation, and chaperoning these trips in order to keep teens busy and out of trouble. If you asked those teens who are now 47-50 years old, they still remember those years as the “best summers of their lives.” It is no surprise that with her love of children, Corey became a Special Ed Teacher. She works with troubled children in Quincy High School in the GOALS program, trying to keep kids in school and off of the streets. She has also been a irreplaceable resource and advocate to many families in South Boston, who are struggling with children with learning disabilities. Helping them navigate the system and receive the proper resources so that their children can be successful in school, despite having a learning disability. She has calm, reassuring way about her that instantly makes you feel that she has the situation under control, and you are in good hands. It was about 15 years ago that she began her involvement with the Veterans of South Boston, after the passing of her father Eddie Morrissey, who was a US Marine and a Commander of the Fitzgerald Post. She knew how important this post was to her father and how it became an important socialization for him later in life. She could see the pride that the Veterans had, and the pride the South Boston community had in these veterans. She wanted to make sure the Veterans knew how important they are to our community. With her experience as a waitress and running banquets, she seamlessly began to coordinate Memorial Day, Veterans Day masses and breakfasts and the annual Christmas party, taking the burden off of the Veterans. She is their “go to girl” and she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I have known Corey my whole life and she is most deserving of this award. She never hesitates to get involved in something she believes in, especially if it involves the quality of life in South Boston.” McGrath stated. Ellen McDonough is the third generation of the McDonough family that shares the love of their hometown of South Boston by continuing the legacy of community involvement. Ellen’s grandfather, John McDonough was the 1960 Chief Marshall of the Evacuation/St Patrick’s Day Parade and was very involved with community affairs. Her late father, Jack McDonough, was the 1973 president of the South Boston Babe Ruth League, coached Gatey High JV basketball, was President of the Tynan Community School Board & member of the City-Wide Board. Her Uncle Bill McDonough is past Athletic Director of the Gate of Heaven C.Y.O. and received the Citizens Association Shamrock Award in 2005 for his community involvement. Ellen has worked behind the scenes of many community events in our town. She was on the committee that planned fundraisers and helped organize a trip for the veterans of the Fitzgerald, Saunders and McDonough to travel to Washington DC. She went along and she loved listening to the stories of the “Greatest Generation” and sang a patriotic or favorite Irish song or two with them! You may have met Ellen as a volunteer at the Gate of Heaven CYO Annual Fundraiser, helping her Uncle Bill ‘Touchie’ McDonough checking in guests and organizing the raffles. Ellen does a great job organizing and assisting with this event If you are a teen or parent at St Brigid or Gate of Heaven, you may have met Ellen at a Confirmation class, as she has taught for 9 years and is now the program coordinator. She is a spiritual advisor to many kids and beloved by many. A graduate of Boston Latin School, Ellen has volunteered her time and gone back to Latin to discuss careers in public service to the new students. After Latin, Ellen went on to graduate from Harvard University. Ellen’s family legacy continues and her grandfather and her father, Jack, would be very proud! Ellen is what this community is all about, giving back to others without hesitation.”McGrath said. Bob O’Shea is one of those South Bostonians, who always puts others first. Bob has been in public service for many years acting as a liaison to the Commonwealth for the Big Dig and currently as the Community Liaison for the MCCA and BCEC. This is a role Bob has taken very seriously over the years working with the South Boston Community Development Fund and creating new programs to ensure that the community shares in the convention centers success. He created the CARE program, which, when appropriate, diverts excess goods and products from vendors at conventions directly to members of our community, who are in need. He has also developed a partnership with Madison Park High School, creating internships for our high school culinary arts students. “For these reasons accompanied by his stellar performance engaging the community and addressing its concerned, I believe he is most deserving for the Shamrock Community service award. He has a lifetime of giving back to the South Boston community and his recognition is long overdue,” stated McGrath Beyond his work life, Bob has dedicated countless hours contributing to the South Boston community. He has coached youth sports, including baseball and Pop Warner for over a decade. He always answers the call, when civic volunteers are needed, like serving on design advisory committees. Bob over the years has quietly helped our young people to enter the workforce and helped our youth suffering from addiction. It gives me great pleasure to announce these awards,” said McGrath. “These are truly dedicated and committed individuals, who have contributed so much in their own unique ways. It is fitting for the Citizens’ Association, and the South Boston community, to honor these individuals. Please join us at the banquet as we honor these great community friends” The awards will be presented at the Association’s 139th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet, to be held on Friday evening, March 15th, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Cocktail Hour begins at 5PM with Dinner being served at 7PM.Curragh’s Fancy will provide the entertainment, along with a host of special Dignitaries. McGrath cautioned that tickets/tables are being purchased at a good pace, with South Boston’s most valued community leaders receiving awards. I urge those that are planning to attend to act fast. For information on tickets call Tom McGrath at 1-857-204-5825. |
