A Storied Tradition…
The Great Irish fair was once considered one of the greatest celebrations of irish Culture every year. Founded in 1981 it’s original iteration was held underneath the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The Fair was a welcomed addition to the New York City event schedule but the increasing attendance and ever decreasing amount of space near the Brooklyn Bridge would force Great Irish fair Chairman Al O’Hagan to look for a new home for The Great Irish Fair.
A new home was found for the third iteration of The Great Irish Fair in an unlikely spot in South Brooklyn. Coney Island would become Coney Ireland as it would host The Great Irish Fair. The Fair would become a mainstay of South Brooklyn and was even credited by the New York Daily News as one of the catalysts that saved and revitalized Coney Island. The Fair’s presence created and helped to cultivate an interest in the area which aided in city governments quest to name several of the areas of Coney Island as landmarks protecting the neighborhood for years to come.
As the event became a mainstay for the citizens of New York City it became an attraction for politicians. From local government all the way to national figure heads, politicians, and celebrities flocked to the Fair in hopes of reaching the masses. From Ed Koch to Ray Flynn the Fair was a key part of the culture of not only New York City but the world as a whole.
In 2001 the Great Irish Fair was held on September 8th and 9th. Just days before the fateful morning of September 11th. Firefighter and hero Timothy Stackpole was honored at that Fair for his heroism. On June 5‚ 1998‚ Timothy Stackpole was severely injured in a fifth alarm fire in Brooklyn. Two of his fellow firefighters were killed and more injured in a collapse. Timmy spent over two months in the Burn Center with fourth and fifth degree burns over 40% of his body. He endured many surgeries and months of painful rehabilitation. He had two goals: to recover and spend as much time as he could with his family‚ and to return full-duty to a job he loved. Against popular opinion‚ he succeeded. On March 10‚ 2001‚ Timmy returned to his lieutenant’s job full-duty.
On Sunday at that years Great Irish Fair, September 9th 2001, mass was celebrated on the fair grounds by FDNY Chaplain Father Mychal Judge. His homily stuck with many who were in attendance at mass that day. Focusing on trusting in God and his plan for you. Father Judge was a man who always made time for others and was always willing to sacrifice. He would become the first official casualty of September 11th as he was struck while praying alongside members of the FDNY.His body was brought to St. Patrick’s cathedral. His legacy remains and will be forgotten.
In 2002 there were fears at the Great Irish fair as there were at almost all New York City Public Events that year following the horrible terrorist attacks at the World Trade center and around the United States. Chairman Al O’Hagan was quoted as saying “This year's fair is not going to be an Irish wake," Instead choosing to honor the memory of people like Stackpole and Judge saying, "These are the caliber of people we'll celebrate this year, We celebrate them because their lives touched our lives, made this a better city and world. "We can mourn their deaths, like the 2,800 others on Sept. 11, but at The Great Irish Fair this year, we will be celebrating the lives of these men who loved life.” Stackpole’s daughter Kaitlin was honored as that years Colleen Queen and that Fair is still regarded as a key moment in helping top heal the city and the community as a whole.
"O’Hagan ran the Great Irish fair for over 25 years before retiring to Southern New Jersey with his family in 2007. Over the course of that 25+ years of service O’Hagan helped to raise several millions of dollars donating every penny raised at the Great Irish Fair to Catholic Charities of New York City. An organization which earmarked all funds for charitable causes.
Now the Great Irish is back and will be revitalized and reborn for 2025 and we cannot wait to carry on that incredible legacy of The Great Irish Fair!
He was promoted to Captain on September 6‚ 2001. On September 8th he was honored at the Great Irish fair for the heroism he showed to that point in his life and career. Captain Stackpole spent that Saturday at The Great Irish fair surrounded by his family. Those who were present recount watching captain Stackpole having a catch with his children behind the VIP tent smiling and laughing. On Tuesday September 11th Stackpole was off duty at FDNY headquarters. He didn’t have to answer the call of his brothers in need when the towers were struck- but of course he did. Captain Timothy Stackpole perished that day leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. He serves as a constant memory of what the Fair represents. Each year following the attacks of September 11th an award was given in his name to someone who exhibited bravery like Captain Stackpole. His legacy remains an important aspect of The Great Irish fair and will never be forgotten.
