Mullingar man and New York City-based lawyer Darren Moore was honoured at the inaugural IrishCentral Legal Elite Awards 2024, which took place at the the historic American Irish Historical Society in New York City last Thursday night, 7 November.
Mr Moore, who is the current President of the Irish American Bar Association of New York, was celebrated for his leadership in creating connections within the Irish-American legal community. His dedication to community building and advocacy earned him a standing ovation on the night.
Following the awards ceremony, Mr Moore spoke to Westmeath Topic about his role with the New York Bar and what it means to him to be recognised.
“I took on the role of the President of the Irish American Bar Association this year with the intention of growing the organisation and increasing our organisation’s value within the legal community and the Irish American community. To receive this award for that work is a huge honour for me and my family. I like to say we’ve a lot done, MOORE to do!”
Moore spoke of the significance of receiving his award at the historic American Irish Historical Society on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, which was in danger of closing permanently during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“To get the award at the iconic American Irish Historical society was extra special. The last time I was there was before the pandemic for an evening with businessman Denis O’Brien and post pandemic, it came close to being closed down permanently. It would have been a huge shame to lose the venue so it was great to be back there. You only have to enter the building to understand and appreciate how important it is to the Irish American community.”
Chair of IrishCentral, Liam Lynch welcomed the audience to last Thursday’s Awards, applauding the honourees for their commitment to the values of justice, integrity, and community. Lynch extended a special acknowledgment to Congressman Bruce Morrison, the event’s keynote speaker, highlighting Morrison’s role in advancing Irish-American issues, from immigration reform to the Northern Ireland peace process.
Morrison, a champion of Irish immigration reform and the driving force behind the “Morrison Visa,” spoke on the enduring connection between the U.S. and Ireland and the need for continued support for Irish-American communities.
Darren Moore spoke of the great honour of being awarded along with Morrison.
“It was a privilege to be a part of an event celebrating Congressman Bruce Morrison. Immigration is obviously a hot topic right now but he pioneered the immigration program back in the 1990s that increased the number of visas allotted to Irish people, which we will be eternally grateful for. Hearing his perspective on immigration, what’s going on, and what potentially should be done, was refreshing.”
