'My paternal grandfather died before I was born but I heard wonderful stories from my father and his siblings about how my grandfather survived the Irish famine, was orphaned and eventually came to New York at 18 years old. He went to work as a butcher and eventually owned a very successful meatpacking company on 14th Street in New York City. He married Honora Ryan, a native of Newport, County Tipperary and they had 13 children. Grandpa was very involved in charitable work in NYC and was one of the original members of the Irish American Historical Society. His children and grandchildren continued this involvement in charitable organizations and Irish cultural groups. Coming from Ireland as the orphan of poor colliers from Desertserges, County Cork, he was remarkably successful and achieved the American dream. Pictured: David William Shannon, Upper West Side.'
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