TwoCork, outstanding Cork natives are to be honoured by the County Cork Association of New York at its 20th reunion banquet on Saturday, August 13th, at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork.
TWO outstanding Cork natives are to be honoured by the County Cork Association of New York at its 20th reunion banquet on Saturday, August 13th, at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork.
Skibbereen-based solicitor Helen Collins and painter and musician Donie Carroll of Douglas will be accorded special recognition for their lifetimes’ achievements at an event that will commence at 7pm with a cocktail hour followed by dinner at 8.30pm. The ceremonial activities will take place after the cocktail party and prior to serving dinner.
Solicitor Helen Collins, born in Clonakilty, is the daughter of Liam Collins, who was also a solicitor, and she is a grandniece of General Michael Collins. She is a graduate of University College Cork and a partner in Wolfe & Co, Solicitors, in Skibbereen.
Helen has been practising law for forty years and specialises in all aspects of family law and dispute resolution. She regularly delivers the address on behalf of the Collins family at the annual Michael Collins commemoration in Béal na Bláth each August. The mother of three grown-up children, Helen continues to work full-time in her legal practice and on the promotion of all things West Cork.
The other person to be recognised by the County Cork Association of New York is Donie Carroll, who was born in the village of Douglas to the late Paddy and Julie Carroll. He began work at an early age in the painting and wallcovering business and today he owns and operates DONCAR Wallcovering and Painting Company in New York.
A noted sportsman, Donie played football, hurling and soccer.
He was a Munster champion boxer and is a member of the Cork Ex-Boxers’ Association. Music has always been a big part of Donie’s life and he played with the well-known Cork folk group Finnegan’s Wake.
In 1993 Donie came to New York. He quickly immersed himself in the Irish music scene and has recorded several CDs.
Donie’s big passion in life is as a fundraiser for the Mercy Centre located in the slums of Bangkok, which is operated by Fr Joe Maier, a Redemptorist priest. Donie is the proud father of two sons, Donnacha and Frank, and adores his four grandchildren.
