Before you celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day Parade this weekend, take a look at some of the Irish-Americans honored in the community this week.

The City of Peekskill celebrated Irish American Heritage Month on Monday, March 10, by recognizing three individuals with Irish roots who have made several contributions in the community and beyond.

Presented with proclamations by Mayor Vivan McKenzie at Peekskill City Hall were Brian Kelly, Dr. John McGurty, Jr. and Trevor Noble.

One of those honored, Brian Kelly, is a founding member of the Hudson Valley Irish Festival where he currently serves as a Trustee and previously served as Treasurer for ten years.

Kelly was born in the Bronx, later moving to Westchester and joining the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), an Irish Catholic fraternal organization. There he held various positions, including Division President, County President and New York State Director.

Today he serves as the New York State AOH Office of Finance Chairman, as well as an active member of the AOH Division 18 in Peekskill.

According to the proclamation, in 2011, Kelly was named the Westchester County Aide to the Grand Marshal of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, then later in 2015 was an Aide to the Grand Marshal in the Peekskill St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The second honoree, Dr. John McGurty, Jr., was described as a longtime resident of Peekskill and pillar of the community. McGurty serves as the city’s Fire and Police Surgeon, Assistant Division Physician for the New York State Police, and Medical Director for Cortlandt-Peekskill Regional Paramedics.

McGurty, Jr. had a 35-year career of active and reserve service in the United States Navy, retiring as a decorated Navy Captain.

He  has received numerous civic and community honors including the Chester Smith Award, Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Peekskill and the Peekskill Elks Club Community Service Award, the proclamation said.

McGurty could not be at the event due to work, but had his proclamation accepted on his behalf by his wife Kathy who he has three daughters with.

Lastly the third honoree, Trevor Noble, the creator of the Peekskill History App, was described as a valuable member of the Field Library Board were he currently serves as Treasurer.

Noble was born and educated in Ireland, later moving to Peekskill with wife Amie in 2018. Noble later started Peekskill History, giving virtual discussions about the application which was sponsored by the Field Library.

According to the proclamation, Noble gives of his time, talents and knowledge to help create a better Peekskill. In addition to serving as Treasurer at the Field Library, he has worked at the Lincoln Depot Museum and serves as a member of the Human Relations Commission for the City of Peekskill.

Before honorees and family departed for food and refreshments, the city was thanked for holding the event by Dan Dennehy who is the National Immigration Chair of the AOH, member of Division 18 and past Grand Marshal of both New York State and Peekskill St Patrick’s Day Parade.

“It is a noble and an absolute good thing that we recognize that this country may have many different people,” Dennehy said. “It’s made of many different people, as is this city, and as some of the oldest immigrant groups the Irish are. It’s nice that we’re still doing these things.”

The 36th Annual Peekskill St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on March, 15 at 3 p.m at City Hall. A flag raising will also take place at 10:30 a.m. at the city hall.

For more information and history about the parade click here.