Changing of the guard at Cavan P&B Association in New York
History made with appointment of new President and Vice President
A man with Lavey roots has been appointed as the new president of the Cavan P&B Association of New York making history in the process.
While born in Brooklyn, P.J. Smith is the son of James Smith from Lavey and Bridie Smith (nee Hegarty) from Aclare Co Sligo. P.J. is gearing up for a busy year with the Association and is looking forward to the St Patrick’s Day parade next month.
At a young age, P.J. moved back home to Cavan with his parents and five siblings - Breege, Tommy, Sean, Ann, and Seamus.
In his early years, he proudly sported the colours of green and gold, alongside his brothers, as he represented the Ballymachugh football club. Then, as a teenager, he moved to Laragh, where he wore their jersey for seven years, only to return to the States in 1981.
P.J. bartended and worked construction there for many years. In 1987, he began his career with Brooklyn Union Gas and it was a busy year for him as he also married Kit Farrelly from Bailieborough. Together, they have raised three children - Peter, Steven, and Meaghan.
P.J. spent 35 years as a mechanic for Brooklyn Union Gas and is ex-captain of the Floral Park Fire Department. He has also served seven years as chairman of the Cavan Football Club, two years as President of the Irish American Society, and is currently the President of the United Irish Counties of New York.
Over 30 years ago, he and his wife, Kit, joined the Cavan P&B association of NY. This is an association that his father was a member of for 50 years, himself. All three of his children have also been members since they turned the age of 18 years.
This past December, P.J. was sworn in as President of the Cavan P&B Association. It’s the first time in its 177 years of existence that an American-born has been named the President of this association. Coincidentally, his Vice President, Patrick, is also American-born. And to make things even more interesting, both of these men are proud to say that they have a Sligo mother and a Cavan father – so some history was made.
“I have worn many hats while in New York but no hat has given me greater pride than the one I now wear proudly as the President of Cavan P&B Association of New York,” he told the Celt this week.
New VP has Ballyhaise roots
His VP, Patrick Rudden, meanwhile was born in New York City. He is the second child of Michael Rudden from Ballyhaise and Mary Rudden (nee Gallagher) from Dromore West, Co Sligo.
Patrick grew up in the Richmond Hill section of Queens, alongside his four siblings - Michael, Bernadette, Sean, and James.
He is administrator for Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he has worked of the past 35 years and where he also met his wife, Erika. The couple have children together - Noel, Yadier, Abigail, Patrick and Connor.
Patrick also has been a lifelong active member of the Cavan P&B Association.
He is an active member of his community and his church, Our Lady of Lourdes, in Malverne where he often volunteers. Patrick is also President of the Malverne Little League program and has been a little league coach for many years. He enjoys spending time with his family and one of his many passions is teaching his children about their Irish heritage.