Virginia native to be honoured at New York dinner dance

Virginia native P.J. Lynch will be the guest of honour at The Cavan P&B Association of New York’s annual St Patrick’s Day dinner dance.

Hailing from Ardlow, P.J. is the son of Phelim and Nellie Lynch. He emigrated to New York in the 1980s, joining the wave of young Irish men and women who crossed the Atlantic in search of opportunity. Though decades have passed since he first set foot in America, PJ has never strayed far from his roots.

After settling in Queens, New York with his brother Felim, P.J. met his wife Liz of 37 years and counting. Together they built a life grounded in family, heritage, and hard work. The couple raised three children Austin, Ciara, and Deirdre, each of whom has embraced their Irish identity. Austin plays the bagpipes, while the girls are champion Irish dancers.

The Cavan P&B Association became a community for P.J. The organisation continues Cavan traditions today for its members, from proudly marching in the St Patrick’s Day parades to family picnics.

At the end of the month, the Cavan P&B Association will come together to celebrate PJ’s accomplishments. He will receive the Hugh Smith Memorial Award; another great Cavan man who sadly passed away. Hugh was a long-time friend to P.J. Receiving the award dedicated to him brings an even deeper honour for the night. Also being honoured will be the Cavan Man of the Year, Conal McCabe and Cavan Women of the Year, Mairead Tully.

For P.J. Lynch, the night promises to be more than an honour, it will be a heartfelt celebration of heritage, family, and the journey from Ardlow to New York and beyond.