Meet the Irish American Building Society
The mission of the Irish American Building Society (IABS) is to develop and foster business, cultural, educational and charitable activities, and maintain continuous exchange of information among our members. IABS strives towards a setting that promotes friendship, encourages cooperation and mutual development on both a personal and professional level, and fosters education through our scholarship program. The organization seeks to expand business opportunities within our membership and to aid each member in achieving their own career or personal objectives. We aim to benefit our membership and our community, both locally and globally. Together, we hope to recognize and remember all the good work and effort – particularly in the realm of the building, real estate and construction trades – that the Irish American and Irish community has historically provided to the United States of America and the world.
Tabhair ar ais, is the heart and soul of the IABS.
This Irish expression is roughly translated in English to mean, To Give Back.
Our organization is rooted deeply in our cherished Irish Culture and Traditions. True to our ancestors, the IABS is dedicated to educating the next generation. We donate much of our time to raising funds for college scholarships and educational institutions. In addition, we contribute to the charitable endeavors of other organizations who are meeting the immediate needs of people in our surrounding community.
The IABS takes special pride in our Irish heritage and works to preserve the rich Irish culture that has survived genocide, colonization, immigration and discrimination. We show our pride through participation in New York's annual Saint Patrick's Day Parades and donations to relevant historical societies and associations.
To further promote our Irish traditions, the IABS underwrites the annual NYC Great Irish Fair (GIF). The GIF is a weekend filled with attractions such as Irish dance, music and sport, as well as refreshments and exhibition booths. At the GIF we recognize Irish professionals through prestigious awards and under the IABS charge, thousands of New Yorkers flock to Coney Island helping us raise thousands of dollars for the Diocese for Catholic School.
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Marty Cottingham
Vice President
Mary Glynn
Board Of Directors
Thomas Flood
Brendan Gallagher
Carolyn Conroy Romano
Kevin Conlon
Gerard Keogh
Gerard McCabe
Maureen O’Malley Byrnes
Daniel Woods
Kieran McGirl
Executive Director
Mackenzie Iburg-Billera
