Hibernians name 2014 Man, Woman of the Year

Photo

McGuinness

Photo

Kelly

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

At this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Mass and luncheon, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Joseph T. Nalley Division 6, will honor the 2014 man and woman of the year.

The AOH honoree is James McGuinness, nicknamed “Muggsy,” and the LAOH honoree is Melissa Kelly. The event will take place at a 10:30 a.m. Mass March 17 at St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., and the luncheon will follow in the church hall.

The public is welcome to the Mass, but tickets are required for the luncheon at $20 each. Tickets may be bought in advance by calling McGuinness, president of the AOH Division 6, at 330-770-8155. Some tickets will be available at the door.

The menu consists of a traditional corned beef and cabbage lunch prepared by Chef Jeffrey Chrystal.

McGuinness, the son of an Irish immigrant father, has been active in the Irish community for many years. He joined the AOH Division 5 in 1969 and was a member until 1978. He has been an active member of the AOH Division 6 since 1999, and he has served as president since 2008. He also had served as a trustee for 6 years.

McGuinness has organized and participated in many fundraisers and charitable programs, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Ulster Project, the Monsignor Thomas F. Kelly Memorial Golf Outing, and the AOH/LAOH Irish man and Irish woman of the year luncheon.

McGuinness and his wife, Carol, were married in 1971 at St. Christine Church. Their son, Bernie, and his wife, Jennifer, live in Columbus.

He and his wife coached the Optimist Club’s youth baseball league on the East Side and in 1970 he was named Coach of the Year for taking a last-place team to first place. He also coached youth baseball and the Crusaders youth football.

Kelly has lived in the Mahoning Valley all her life. She is an account executive for Friends Business and has been in the office supply business for many years.

She is a member of St. Christine Church. Her husband, Ray Kelly IV, and she have two daughters, Mackenzie, 8, an Kasey, 4.

Her life revolves around her large extended family and her friends, and her family loves to attend Irish functions.

Kelly devotes her time to LAOH, where she is president. She also is coordinator of the Junior LAOH and a former vice president of LAOH. She is a member of the Democratic Women’s JFK Club, the Austintown PTA and the Burke Irish School of Dance Parents Booster Organization.