ST. PATRICK'S DAY Irish man, woman of the year named

Both honorees are active in the community.
YOUNGSTOWN -- William Cleary and Patty O'Shaughnessy were honored Thursday as the Irish man and woman of the year by the Mahoning County Division 6 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America Inc.
The two Youngstown natives were recognized during a luncheon program in the hall at St. Patrick's Church, 1410 Oak Hill Ave. The program followed a morning mass.
Cleary, retired from Republic Steel/LTV Steel Co. as a supervisor in quality control, is involved in the Mahoning Valley Gaelic Society and served as its financial secretary. He was elected "Gael of the Year" in 1979 and currently is a trustee.
His community involvement includes serving as past chairman of the St. Patrick's Day Parade and as its grand marshal in 2002. He is currently the parade's financial treasurer.
He received the Bill Ockerman award in 2001.
He also volunteers at the luncheon kitchen at St. Vincent de Paul and is on the board of Republic Steel Federal Credit Union.
Cleary and his wife, Beverly, have four children.
O'Shaughnessy
O'Shaughnessy is an administrative assistant in the physical therapy department at Youngstown State University, where she has worked the last 20 years. After graduating from high school, she attended YSU part time while working full time at Commercial Shearing. As a YSU student she began doing charity work, which has continued throughout her life.
She married the late Pat O'Shaughnessy and they had three sons. After her children became older, she returned to the work force.
At YSU she has received many accolades, including the Student Service Award, which recognizes an individual for motivating and supporting students.
Her community involvement included the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, YSU's Community Cup and Women's Club and charities such as the March of Dimes, Heart Association and United Way.
Barry Award
Also recognized Thursday was Thomas Carney, who received the Commodore John Barry Award for his long-standing service to the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Carney, a retired crane operator, is the first recipient of the award in Mahoning County.
"The award is named after John Barry, who was the admiral appointed by President George Washington to establish the Navy. He was born in Ireland," said AOH President Danny O'Connell.