New York Irish Center Celebrates 50 Years in Long Island City

Community hub renamed 'New York Irish Center Way' to honor generations of Irish in NYC

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The New York Irish Center, a crucial gathering place for the city's Irish community, celebrated its 50th anniversary with the renaming of a section of Jackson Avenue to 'New York Irish Center Way.' The center, founded in 1975 by Belfast native Fr. Colm Campbell, has become a hub for Irish culture, community services, and outreach to diverse groups in Long Island City.

Why it matters

The New York Irish Center's milestone anniversary and street renaming highlight the enduring presence and contributions of the Irish community in New York City. As a mission-driven, inclusive organization, the center has evolved to serve the needs of both the Irish diaspora and the broader local community, showcasing how immigrant groups can maintain their cultural identity while also integrating and giving back.

The details

The center hosts annual programs celebrating Irish culture, including the '40 Shades of Green' St. Patrick's Day event and the Queens Irish Heritage Festival. It also offers Gaelic language classes, Irish dance lessons, and a world music series. Beyond Irish programming, the center provides vital community services such as suicide prevention, alcoholics anonymous meetings, and immigration counseling. Last year, the center collaborated with local Councilmember Julie Won to raise over $14,000 for a Christmas toy drive for underprivileged children.

  • The New York Irish Center first opened its doors in 2005.
  • The street renaming ceremony took place on February 7, 2026.

The players

New York Irish Center

A community hub in Long Island City that serves as a gathering place for the city's Irish diaspora, offering cultural programs, community services, and outreach to diverse groups.

Fr. Colm Campbell

A Belfast native who conceived the idea for the New York Irish Center in 1975, seeing a need for a place for the Irish community to gather.

Councilmember Julie Won

A Long Island City representative who has helped the New York Irish Center receive over $500,000 in grants and spoke at the street renaming ceremony about the center's welcoming spirit towards immigrant communities.

George Heslin

The director and 'beating heart' of the New York Irish Center, who has run the multi-purpose community center for the past five years after serving as the founding Artistic Director of off-Broadway's Origin Theatre Company.

Angela Reily

The widow of legendary Irish folk singer Paddy Reilly, who was instrumental in raising money for the center and helping to found it.

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What they’re saying

“It is important to honor the Irish who have done so much to build our community.”

— Councilmember Julie Won (licjournal.com)

“My husband would be happy to see how successful the center has become.”

— Angela Reily, Widow of legendary Irish folk singer Paddy Reilly (licjournal.com)

“No other Irish organization does what the New York Irish Center does.”

— George Heslin, Director of the New York Irish Center (licjournal.com)

What’s next

The New York Irish Center plans to create more programs to cater to the needs of older Irish people, including new initiatives in grief counseling and befriending seniors.

The takeaway

The New York Irish Center's 50-year milestone and community renaming demonstrate how immigrant groups can maintain their cultural identity while also embracing inclusivity and serving the broader needs of their local neighborhoods. The center's evolution from an Irish-focused hub to a multi-purpose community resource reflects the changing face of New York City.