New York Irish Center Honored with Street Co-Naming

Long Island City intersection named 'New York Irish Center Place' to commemorate the center's 21-year history and impact on the community.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The New York Irish Center, a cultural hub for Irish Americans in New York, was honored with a street co-naming ceremony at the intersection of 50th Avenue and Jackson Avenue in Long Island City. New York City Council Member Julie Won joined the center's leadership, the Consul General of Ireland in New York, and community members to celebrate the 'New York Irish Center Place' designation, recognizing the center's 21-year history and its role as a cornerstone of the neighborhood.

Why it matters

The New York Irish Center has served as a vital community resource for over two decades, providing programs and services for youth, seniors, and the arts. The street co-naming highlights the center's enduring impact and the vibrant Irish American heritage of the surrounding Long Island City neighborhood.

The details

The New York Irish Center was founded 21 years ago as a cultural hub for Irish Americans in New York. Its roots reflect District 26's vibrant Irish community dating back to the 1930s when Irish immigrants came to Woodside to find jobs after the Great Depression. The Center has since expanded its reach to include over 25,000 New Yorkers, serving as a hub for youth, seniors, education, and the arts.

  • The New York Irish Center was founded 21 years ago.
  • The street co-naming ceremony took place on February 12, 2026.

The players

Julie Won

New York City Council Member.

George Heslin

Executive Director, New York Irish Center.

Gerald Angley

Consul General of Ireland in New York.

Angela Reily

Wife of the New York Irish Center Founder.

Sean Mackin

Board Chairman, New York Irish Center.

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What they’re saying

“For over 20 years, the New York Irish Center has been a cornerstone of community, culture, and service in the neighborhood. It is an honor to co-name the intersection of 50th Avenue and Jackson Avenue to commemorate the Center's legacy in our neighborhood.”

— Julie Won, New York City Council Member

“The New York Irish Center community, its board of directors, staff and volunteers are truly honored that the Center's 21-year history at 1040 Jackson Avenue is being honored with this unique street co-naming recognition. We are deeply grateful to NYC Council Member Julie Won and the wider New York City Council for this honor while supporting our mission of community, culture, and care.”

— George C. Heslin, Executive Director, New York Irish Center

What’s next

The New York Irish Center plans to host a celebratory event at the newly named 'New York Irish Center Place' intersection on March 17, 2026 to mark St. Patrick's Day and the street co-naming.

The takeaway

The street co-naming of 'New York Irish Center Place' is a testament to the center's enduring role as a vital community institution, preserving Irish American heritage and culture in Long Island City for over two decades. It highlights the importance of supporting grassroots organizations that foster inclusivity and celebrate the diversity of New York City's neighborhoods.