AREA — The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Union County honored long-time Cranford childhood friends, Jim O’Brien of Scotch Plains and Bob Sloan of Westfield, as Irishmen of the Year at the organization’s 62nd Annual Irish Heritage Tribute Dinner on March 7. The event was held at Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains. Senator Jon Bramnick introduced the awardees with humor and praise for their contributions to the community.

Both honorees trace their Irish-American roots to ancestors who escaped Ireland’s Great Hunger by coming to America in the mid-1800s, bringing with them the Irish spirit of faith, family, work and community which has guided both awardees.

Their careers have been very successful, with Mr. O’Brien focused on finance and Mr. Sloan in technology.

Together they have been engaged in the community, supporting nonprofit organizations that do important work. This includes established organizations, like Seton Hall University, Union College, Berkeley College, Covenant House, Center for Hope Hospice, and the Newmark School. Additionally, they have focused on community-based organizations such as Team Walker in Jersey City and Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center in South Central Los Angeles. These efforts have been incredibly rewarding to them as they experienced the positive impacts in the community.

Mr. O’Brien and his wife, Judy, have four children, Kelly, Megan, Patrick and Michael, and two grandsons, James and Milo. Mr. Sloan and his wife, Marie, have two children, Matthew and Christina.

Funds raised at the dinner support the Friendly Sons’ mission of awarding college scholarships to highschool seniors of Irish descent.