New York GAA | Hall of Fame

Frank Dwyer was born and raised in Kiltubrid, County Leitrim. He is a proud son of a coalminer and the second youngest of five children of the late Michael and Ellen Dwyer. After he completed his primary education in Crummy National School, Frankie progressed to Keshcarrigan Vocational school, where he excelled in the art of carpentry. After graduating from his course in Keshcarrigan, Frankie became apprenticed with Leitrim Furniture Company in Ballinamore, where he continued to hone his skills and become an expert in his field.

Frankie always had a love of football. As a young lad he played football with Kiltubrid. Where he captained the Under-14’s and Under-16’s to two Leitrim County Championships, while also being selected for the County Under-16 team.

In 1971 young Frankie would head to New York like many Leitrim men before him in hopes of finding the “American dream” or at least a laugh.  Without hesitation he joined the Leitrim Football Club in New York under the management of Mike Carty. In 1977, he captained the team and won a senior New York Championship medal 1979. He was persuaded to join the Tipperary Hurling Club one year and for his efforts, Frank picked up a Hurling Championship medal that year and was validated as a dual player in the process.

Over the next couple of decades Frankie had been deeply involved in a variety of roles with the Leitrim club. For many years he was the heart and sole of the club and its success. He would do it alongside many great GAA men and one who is missed dearly, Danny Doohan(RIP).  Frankie always had a passion for Gaelic sport, but it wasn’t just about the games but the people who came along with it. Gaelic Park is where many friendships, careers and helping lads out was also part of the culture. Frankie never forgot where he came from and always helped those who came after him.

Frankie was a master craftsman with a keen eye to detail which led him to establish a very successful contracting business in New York which then led him into the real estate business both as investor and developer. In the mid-90’s Pete Fitzpatrick and Frankie would cross paths and with some convincing Frankie took a chance on the restaurant trade with his partner Pete and in January 1995 Playwright opened and so began a flourishing chain of bars, restaurants and real estate throughout Manhattan. Frankie has a strong work ethic which cannot be matched, although his son’s Sean and Padraig try too daily. They have the pleasure to learn from the best on a daily basis. These businesses have been known to make many a hire out of Gaelic Park thru the years.

Frank has always been in the forefront in providing sponsorship and assisting in charitable causes. Many individuals and associations have been the beneficiaries of his almost boundless generosity thru the years. Frankie has been a longtime loyal supporter of the New York GAA which have benefited greatly through the years.  Frankie helped spearhead the fundraising committee for the redevelopment of Gaelic Park.  Frankie’s contribution to these projects is measured not only on financial terms but also in the time and effort he has quietly and effectively invested in the projects. Many organizations have acknowledged Frank for his contributions, support and hard work. 

The Dwyer family is what Frankie is most proud of. Frankie met his quick-witted wife and partner in crime Helen from Mayo in New York and married in 1974. They started out as supers in a one-bedroom apartment in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx. They had four children Sean, Colleen, Michael and Padraig with the intentions of moving back to Leitrim they built a house, but life had other plans. Their faith and strength were tested when their son Michael became ill with leukemia and passed away at 18months. This changed their course and with broken hearts they decided instead of Leitrim they would give Woodlawn a go.  After moving to Woodlawn, they eventually became content.  They became involved with St.Barnabas football club in which their children played. Frankie is proud of his 8 grandchildren Mikey, Tommy, Ella, Connor, Henry, Maggie, Gavin and Shea. Frankie makes it his priority to keep the love of Gaelic games and Irish culture alive for his grandkids as Tommy, Connor and Gavin play with St.Barnabas and Maggie plays with ST. Brigid. He encourages them to continue learn Irish music and dancing.  Frankie has instilled in them the importance of kindness and his “it’s nice to be nice”mentality.

Frankie’s hopes are that the new building in Gaelic Park will not just be the headquarters for the NYGAA but also a social and cultural center that welcomes the Irish and Irish American communities. His hope is thru the great GAA community of New York Irish culture will be revitalized in the Bronx again.

On this memorable evening, The New York Gaelic Athletic Association “GAA” 2nd annual Hall of Fame dinner dance, we take great pleasure in presenting Maurice Foley as the GAA 2023 Hurling Hall of Fame recipient. 

This honor is bestowed upon Maurice for his years of dedication to Irish traditions and culture, the support of the GAA and enrichment of the Irish community here in New York and Ireland. Maurice, for the years of Irish drive, dedication, work ethic, strong character, high morals and your continued support, we thank you.  

Maurice was born and lived in Ballylanders, County Limerick until 1959, where at the age of 17 he emigrated to England. Then in 1963 Maurice immigrated to the United State to attend his sister Breda’s (RIP) wedding, accompanied by his brothers Michael and John, and his sister Kathleen (RIP). Maurice’s first job in America as a painter taught him on the job technical experience that he took with him to his future jobs. The first as a machine operator and then as a manager of a chain of seven restaurants throughout Manhattan. Most importantly, Maurice learned to focus on the future long-term, not just think of the next paycheck. This trait is something which he continued to instill in the next generation of Irish and anyone that asked for his advice. 

Maurice met the love of his life, lovely Leitrim lady, Mary Teresa (nee Prior) Foley from Ballinamore. They were married in 1970. In 1971, Maurice joined The Cement and Concrete Workers’ Union Local 18a. With dedication to his craft and commitment to his fellow workers, he ascended the ranks to Business Manager of Local 18a and then further to Vice President of the Concrete Workers District Council, then all the way to the top as President of the Concrete Workers District Council. Maurice was also the Trustee of the fund of the District Council #16 and was a member of the NYS Laborer’s Political Action Committee. 

During that time of career success, Maurice and Teresa had four daughters, Tara Jean, Dianna, Deirdre and Sandra. In 1981, they moved from the Bronx to Mahopac, New York, where they continued supporting the Irish traditions and community. Wanting to do even more, Maurice and Teresa became sponsors in the program Project Children from Northern Ireland where they sponsored two girls from Northern Ireland to live with their family over two summers. Not only did Maurice and Teresa, who are both Catholics, want to sponsor children, but they wanted to sponsor Protestants to offer a hand across the aisle in the troubling times, teaching their four daughters about compassion and giving. 

Maurice and Teresa reside today in Mahopac and Florida, surrounded by their three grandsons, Dillon, Hunter and Connor and their granddaughter, Brianna, who have blessed Maurice and Teresa’s hearts and lives. 

Anyone who knows Maurice knows his love and passion for Hurling, especially his beloved Limerick Hurling. But no matter what team is playing hurling, the game always brings Maurice back to Ireland for the All-Ireland Championship.  In 1977 the New York Limerick Hurling Club had to disband but Maurice, with his love of the sport, wanted to bring it back. So, his brothers, Michael, and John along with former members and new arrivals to America reorganized the New York Limerick Football and Hurling Club in 1987.  Limerick went on to win the 1989 Junior Hurling Championship and the 1990 Junior “A” Football Championship. The Limerick Football and Hurling Club continued playing at a Senior level, winning the divisions in 1994, 1995 and 1998. 

Throughout the years, the tireless efforts of Maurice did not go unnoticed. He has received many awards and appointments for his dedication to the Irish traditions, some of the many examples are: 

• 1988 – The Donegal Football Club – Campbell-Houlihan Award
• 1989 – Limerick Hurling Club – Limerick Club Award
• 1999 – Limerick Hurling Club – Guest of Honor
• 2001 – United Irish Counties – Gael of the Year Guest of Honor
• 2003 – GAA of New York – Guest of Honor
• 2004 – Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Grand Marshall
• 2007 – Leitrim Football Club – Guest of Honor
• 2011 – Northern Westchester/Putnam Counties St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Grand Marshall
• 2013 – Irish Echo Top 100 Labor Leaders
• 2019 – Club Limerick of New York’s – Guest of Honor 
• 2023 – Today – New York GAA – Hall of Fame

Through 2020, Maurice has been a center stone of running Gaelic Park in the Bronx. From promoting and running large concerts, managing dinner dances, and ensuring the bar is open for the games, to now fund raising for the rebuilding and revitalization of Gaelic Park. 

Currently, Maurice is spending his retirement supporting Club Limerick of New York and the reconstruction of Gaelic Park. His tireless efforts since arriving in America in 1963 are as strong as ever continuing the promotion and growth of Irish culture. Maurice, thank you for all you have done, do and will continue to do.  

Go raibh maith agat!

Ambitious, hardworking, loyal, and generous are just a few of the words used to describe Donal by those who work with him. With his sister, Helen, and brothers, Kevin and Leonard, Donal started Navillus over 30 years ago which has grown into what is now the largest union contractor in all of New York City.

As a serial entrepreneur and experienced leader, Donal understands what it takes to build lasting relationships both internally with his team and external networks: cultivating a people-first approach and building an inclusive culture unified by accountability, honesty, and integrity.  

Fast turnaround, high-quality, and loyalty are what Donal is known for along with his constant push to innovate. Donal is an optimist who believes in the capability of human ambition to overcome obstacles and generate success through adapting within challenging and rapidly changing times. His personal story reflects this – emigrating from Ireland when jobs were scarce and setting out with his new family business when he saw a niche in the industry.

Originally from Ballingskellings, Ireland, a small village of less than a few hundred people, Donal never forgets where he came from. He supports a variety of organizations, associations, and programs at local, national, and international levels such as habitat for humanity projects, cultural & heritage associations, and annual fund-raising charity events to help a diverse set of communities. He has been the proud primary sponsor of the New York Gaelic Athletic Association for ten years 

Corporate Social Responsibility is paramount to Navillus and Donal. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane Sandy in New York, and Hurricane Irma in Florida, Navillus was first to jump in with emergency relief and financial assistance. This is who Donal is.

In addition to being dedicated to Navillus and giving back, Donal is a family man and is incredibly proud of all six of his children. The O’Sullivan family is fun, hard-working, passionate about public service, and multi-talented.

Donal is inspiring both inside and outside of the office. In looking at New York City’s ever-changing skyline, Navillus is the story of a man who succeeded despite overwhelming odds, overcoming economic disasters, highly competitive market forces, and industry changes to emerge as a top construction company that thrives because of its hard-earned reputation and compassionate leadership.