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Walks of Life Award

The Walks of Life Award was instituted by the Irish American Archives Society in order to honor individuals of Irish descent who have made an extraordinary contribution to their community in their chosen "Walk of Life." Planning for the award began in 1996, and the first dinner took place in 1997. Distinguished recipients of the Walks of Life Award have included educators, civic leaders, labor leaders, clergy men and women, journalists, business leaders, health care professionals, members of the safety forces, and philanthropists.

When the IAAS Board first formulated the award, some of the preliminary discussion centered around whether or not there should be posthumous Walks of Life awards. It was tempting to look back at the city's history and honor those of Irish descent who had made notable contributions in their chosen "Walk of Life" throughout different eras-particularly since many never received the recognition that they deserved. But the Board decided to focus on the living, thereby providing our descendants with a roll call of those who have distinguished themselves during our era. A posthumous roll call of distinguished Cleveland-area citizens of Irish descent is a project that still awaits another day.

If you would like to nominate someone for consideration for the Walks of Life Award, click here to download a nomination form.


Walks of Life Award Honorees 1997 - Present


2024

Thomas J. Coyne Joyce Dever Marilyn Madigan
John T. O'Neill Sr. Catherine Walsh

2023

William "Bill" Koehler Fr. Thomas D. Mahoney Adele Ryan Malley
Joan M. Reali Brendon Ring

2022

Daniel B. Chambers M. Colette Gibbons Cheryl Hagan O'Malley
James F. Doyle Ryan Marrie

2021

No awards or dinner

2020

Timothy Cosgrove Helen Malloy Patrick Murphy
Mary Quinn Griffin Leo Spellacy  

2019

Veronica "Vera" Casey Charlene Crowley Sean Hardy
James McMonagle Christopher Ronayne  

2018

William Denihan Myles Gallagher Sr. Rita Mary Harwood
Justice Maureen O'Connor

2017

Cailin Development Kase Equipment JTM Products
Norris Brothers

2016

Sr. Margaret M. Gorman Timothy Hagan Patrick A. Sweeney
John F. McGarry and Lawrence J. McGarry

2015

Terence P. Joyce Linda M. Kane Patrick M. McLaughlin

2014

Jeanne M. Colleran Jack Kahl Martin J. Sweeney
Barbara O'Brien Brown and Margaret Pigott Flynn

2013

Christopher Connor Dan Coughlin Sr. Susan Durkin
Hon. Richard McMonagle    

2012

Mike Cleary Edward Crawford Sr. Kathleen Kilbane
Janice Murphy    

2011

Richard Clark Christopher Coburn Richard Coyne
Sr. Mary Ann Flannery, SC Judge Patricia Anne Gaughan

2010

John D. Baker Dr. Kenneth R. Callahan Mary Jordan
Dennis J. Roche Sr. Carol Anne Smith

2009

Fr. Donald B. Cozzens Mary Ellen Kenneley Czelusniak Hon. John J. Donnelly
Eileen Murphy Mullally

2008

Regina Brett John T. Kilbane Brother Robert Lavelle
Sr. Joan Gallagher Sheila Murphy Crawford

2007

Sr. Maureen Burke SND George E. Condon Gerald M. Quinn
Thomas C. Sullivan

2006

Theresa Burke Eamon D'Arcy Marilyn McGuigan Cunin
Robert Emmett Sweeney Neil and Kathleen Raleigh

2005

Judge William H. and Judith Corrigan Patricia Dowd Patrick P. Leneghan
Rev. James P. O'Donnell Michael O'Malley

2004

William F. Chambers Jr. Mary Dowling Daley Patricia Hollywood
Brother Michael O'Grady SM Thomas J.Scanlon

2003

Thomas F. Campbell, PhD. Denise Dufala Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis
J. Packy Hyland Murlan J. and Margaret S.Murphy

2002

James C. Boland Rev. Thomas Flynn Dr. Alan R. Gurd
Dr. Ruth Imrie William T. Monroe

2001

Dr. Joseph M. Foley Aggie Mooney Hoskin Dennis C. McNulty
Rev. Joseph D. McNulty Kevin O'Donnell

2000

Hon. John V. Corrigan Vincent Dowling Margaret Ann Kelley OSU
Grace A. Kilbane Most Rev. Michael J. Murphy

1999

Joyce Casey Terry Joyce Thomas and Margaret Lynch
Dr. Robert McEvoy Susan Brooks Murphy

1998

John and Mary Coyne Anne Laughlin Marotta Hunter Morrison
Raymond (Rip)Reilly Robert J. Welsh S.J.

1997

Rev. Nelson J. Callahan Sister Maureen Doyle Joyce J. Fitzpatrick
John Gannon Hon. Francis J. Talty

 
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