Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown) was the proud keynote speaker at the Irish Echo’s 40 Under 40 Awards held at Rosie O’Grady’s Manhattan Club on February 23. The event, celebrating the achievements of 40 of the most successful Irish-American entrepreneurs across the nation, was highlighted with a special memorial to those who perished on September 11, 2011, as the evening’s awardees were granted the honor of adding stitches to the 9/11 memorial flag that is currently touring the United States.

“The Irish Echo’s annual 40 Under 40 Awards provide a great opportunity to honor those under the age of 40 who have achieved great success at a young age during these uncertain economic times,” said Fitzpatrick. “I was particularly pleased to honor our own Michael Hanley, as his work has greatly helped small businesses succeed. His efforts, as well as those of the other honorees, are just the type of leadership and entrepreneurship needed to create new jobs and growth that will make our communities even better places to live and work.”

The Irish Echo is the largest circulated Irish-American newspaper in the nation. The 40 Under 40 Awards, now in their fifth year, salute the young ambassadors of Irish-America from across the nation. Irish Echo President Mairtin O'Muilleoir said, “Talented and ambitious, our 40 honorees were proof that the future of America and of Irish- America is secure with this generation of young leaders."