Allied Union Club St. Patrick's Day Celebration

The Allied Club of Queens held its annual St. Patrick’s Day party on Sunday, March 5th, 2017 celebrating the club’s 85th year and over 40 years of hosting the event. The celebration was held in the auditorium of the Joint Industry Board where hundreds of guests gathered to honor this year’s “Man of the Year” Local 3 Compensation Director, Cliff Tuohy.
It was a proud day for Brother Tuohy whose many friends and family were on hand to cheer the occasion including his wife and three children. Tuohy was initiated into å_Local 3 in August of 1988 and became an “A” journeyman in 1994. He worked in the field as an electrician, sub-foreman, foreman and as a shop steward. Cliff also served as Recording Secretary for the Negotiating Committee and was elected twice to the Executive Board of Local 3. Brother Tuohy is currently a Business Representative in the Compensation Department of Local 3 helping members who were hurt on the job to get the benefits they need. Cliff also oversees the College Summer Helper Program which provides employment for the children of Local 3 members in college.
This year’s party started with Event Chairman Tim O’Conner announcing the Sword of Light Pipes and Drums to fill the hall with their thunderous tunes. Many local New York City politicians were in attendance to offer congratulations to the Man of the Year and address the large crowd of Local 3 members and their families. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and N.Y.S. Senator Toby Ann Stavisky spoke first of the importance of what the Allied Club and Local 3 does for the community in which we are all a part. Also in attendance were Public Advocate Letitia James, City Comptroller Scott Stringer, City Council member Elizabeth Crowley and newcomer Assemblyman Brian Barnwell. Queens Business Representative James Bua and Local 3 President John E. Marchell presented the “Man of the Year” plaque and Allied Club President Thomas McCann presented Cliff with the gifts of a traditional Irish cap and shillelagh. In his acceptance speech, Brother Tuohy thanked Business Manager Christopher Erikson for the opportunity to serve the membership. A special mention was made of Cliff’s mother Marilyn, who was in attendance celebrating her son’s achievements on her birthday.
The Allied Club put together the event this year with the help of many volunteers, including some of the club members’ children who did a great job serving the guests. Head Chef Terry Cleary and his volunteer staff of culinary experts prepared all of the food for the party that included many traditional Irish dishes. This year’s entertainment, DJ Medic and percussionist, kept the dance floor moving with their high energy hits. The program also included Local 3’s own Kyle Viveritto, who charmed the audience with his beautiful opera rendition of Danny Boy. The party could not be complete without the wonderful Irish step dancers from Donny Golden School of Irish Dance who performed with even Donny himself joining in on this year’s festivities.