Chatting With Chapey
by Dr. Geraldine M. Chapey
Patricia Young O’Connor:
A Distinguished Woman For All Seasons
During this year Patricia Young O'Connor has had many reasons to
celebrate. She was honored by the County Cork Association for her
outstanding accomplishments. In addition, she has been nominated to serve as our Female Democratic State Committeewoman for the 23 Assembly District.
Patricia Young O'Connor was born in Dunmanway, County Cork. Her parents Jack and Margaret were very proud of their seven sons and seven daughters.
As Patricia herself notes, she was brought up in a fiercely competitive
family which earned she and her siblings the honor of achieving seven All
Ireland Medals. All of the Young's have been extremely successful in their chosen careers and professions. Her family stressed the ideals of faith, culture, education and athletics. "Work hard, play hard and pray hard" were the important ideals stressed in their family.
Strengthened by her strong family roots, her religious beliefs and
academic training, Patricia brought this background and preparation to her new country. Her love of education led her to pursue academic advancement in accounting at the American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts and early childhood education at Brooklyn College.
Patricia's love of education and all things Irish led her to a life time
commitment to the goals of the County Cork Association. Patricia served as President for several terms. Other notable presidents include Maureen O'Hara and Mae O Driscoll. Maureen O'Hara served as the grand marshal of the 1999 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Manhattan. Maureen O'Hara is very proud of her
membership in the County Cork Association. When Maureen was honored last year, the County Cork Association held a special reception in her honor.
Patricia invited my husband, my mother and I to be part of this historical event.
Patricia has always encouraged and supported education. The County Cork Association has made outstanding contributions to higher education. Due to their scholarship program, they have enabled members and their families to strive for and succeed in reaching the Irish ideal of an educated society. This year the County Cork Association gave college scholarships to Timothy McCarthy, Megan Brigid Harwood, Keri Discoll, Brian Driscoll and Elizabeth Mc
Namara. These youngsters were chosen because of their excellent academic record, strong school involvement and extensive community activities.
Patricia was married to Denis O Connor. Her children Liam, Myra and Brendan excelled in their scholastic endeavors. They loved Irish step-dancing and won many competitions in traditional Irish dancing and singing in Irish at the Feis. They won prizes in basketball, swimming and All-Star Baseball. Myra, her daughter, is an accomplished pianist.
Patricia's commitment to her family and her community is commendable.
She has given unselfishly of her time and energy to promote the betterment of her neighborhood. She exudes optimism, hope and a wonderful energy. I am proud to count her as my friend.
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