Congratulations to Our Aides.
Click on their Pictures to view their Accomplishments.
 Danny Browne |
 Sean M. Drain |
 Caitlin Geraghty Liberatori |
 Kate Kiernan-Goodwin |
 Sheila M. Halligan |
 Geoffrey Keating |
 Jennifer Murphy Oelkers |
 Frank O’Keefe |
Danny Browne
Danny Browne hails from Aghyaran, Co. Tyrone, one of a family of ten born to the late Hugh and Mary Kate Browne. After spending four years in Dublin, he emigrated to New York in 1986, where he has worked in the construction industry ever since.
Danny has been deeply involved in Irish cultural life, participating in commemorations, parades, and GAA activities. He is a longstanding member of Shannon Gaels GAA, where he has held many roles and currently serves as Vice Chairman. He was also instrumental in bringing Frank Golden Park to fruition.
As a Shannon Gaels delegate to the New York GAA Minor Board, Danny became increasingly involved at board level, later serving as Vice Chairman and, for the past number of years, as Chairman. One of the Minor Board’s proudest recent achievements has been securing a long-term license agreement with the City of Yonkers for the use of Redmond Park, benefiting all Minor Board programs and clubs.
Since signing the agreement in December 2023, the NY Minor Board has transformed Redmond Park into a fully lit, fully fenced, full-size GAA pitch with permanent GAA goalposts and backstops, two additional training pitches, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, and much more.
Danny sincerely thanks all who made this possible, especially Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, everyone at Yonkers City Hall, Yonkers Parks Commissioner Steve Sansone, and the staff of Yonkers Parks Department, Councilman John Rubbo, Henry Djonbalaj, John Phelan, Esq., his fellow Minor Board officers, and the Redmond Park Development Committee.
A huge thank you is also extended to all those who made financial contributions or supplied labor and materials toward the development of Redmond Park, including the Tara Circle Board for their generous financial support, along with many others.
Danny also serves on the Continental Youth Committee Steering Committee, which runs underage Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie competitions in various cities each summer.
He is married to the former Bridie Mohan from Clontibret, Co. Monaghan, and they have two sons, Emmett and Pearse.
Danny would like to congratulate the Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal, William R. Fitzpatrick, along with his Aides. He also thanks the Parade Board for selecting him as an Aide and wishes the Parade Committee continued success.
Finally, Danny thanks everyone for their support and encouragement, and wishes all a happy and festive St. Patrick’s Day season.
Sean M. Drain
Sean McMahon Drain is grandson of Edward McMahon, an Irish immigrant who, in the 1950s, marched behind the Ulster/County Monaghan banner in the fledgling St. Patrick’s Day Parade. As proud son of retired Yonkers Police Det. Sgt. Eugene Drain and Publishing Executive, Trisha McMahon Adams, Sean decided that the Drain family commitment to public service was not only his duty, but his calling.
Raised in Northwest Yonkers, Sean attended St. Anthony’s and Christ the King schools. He was not only a varsity pitcher for Archbishop Stepinac High School, he also played quarterback. An avid sailor since childhood, it was on a trip with his mother to the Dingle Peninsula, that he decided to join the U.S. Coast Guard.
Military service had Sean aboard the icebreaker, Polar Star, helping tag whales, studying global warming, and experiencing life at North and South Poles. Towards the end of his service, he was at the Pentagon on Security Detail under Tom Ridge, the first Homeland Security Secretary. After the Coast Guard, while awaiting Yonkers Police exam results, Sean worked as an Account Executive for Interep Radio, Inc.
By 2007, Sean 26, “made the cut”, and would don the blue uniform and silver badge that both his father and uncle, Det. Lt. Bill Drain, a past Parade Aide, wore years before.
Sean’s dedication was recognized. In 2009, he was delegated to the Housing Unit. By 2013, he was Detective, assigned to the Major Case Division. Four years later, he was transferred to the Gangs Unit, where he serves today.
He has been active in the Police Benevolent Association, and currently is Co-Chair of Trustees. Counting firefighting service of grandfather, Capt. William J. Drain and uncle, Lt. Bobby Drain, Sean adds almost two decades to 111 years of Drain family service to Yonkers. His achievements have been recognized and include being recipient of Five Journal News Police Honor (Macy) Awards.
When not working or volunteering, Sean stays active by engaging in and winning Strongman Boxing Competitions, playing basketball, biking, golfing, running, and above all enjoying the company of his favorite 7-year-old, his daughter Cali Patricia, a second grader at Crestwood’s Annunciation School, where they are parishioners.
Of all his accomplishments, Sean is especially proud, as are his family in the U.S. and Ireland, for the honor to serve as Aide to the Grand Marshal for the 2026 Yonkers St. Patrick’s Parade.
Caitlin Geraghty Liberatori
Caitlin Geraghty Liberatori grew up in Yonkers, the daughter of Tim Geraghty and Marilyn Flower Geraghty. She and her older brother, Tim trace their Irish roots to Galway and Roscommon, through great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents on both sides. Proud of this heritage, Caitlin recently traveled to Ireland with her family, to experience the country’s rich history and beauty.
Caitlin formed lifelong friendships while attending St. Paul the Apostle School in Yonkers and went on to graduate from Maria Regina High School. Caitlin earned her degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University Maryland, obtained a Master’s Degree in Literacy from the College of New Rochelle, and continued her studies at Canisius University, in pursuit of School Building Leader certification.
She spent five years teaching at Sacred Heart Grade School in Yonkers, where she developed a deep passion for educating students and strengthening Catholic education. Caitlin now continues that mission as the Lower School Principal at Annunciation School in the Crestwood section of Yonkers. As part of the administrative team, Caitlin reaches out to alumni, volunteers, faculty, families, and friends to help keep the school viable for generations of children to come.
At Annunciation she spearheads a variety of fundraisers that support Elizabeth Seton Children’s Hospital. She also volunteers with A Walk On Water Organization, whose mission is using surf therapy to help kids with special needs.
Caitlin is no stranger to the Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade on McLean Ave, and has always enjoyed marching with Annunciation School. She is honored to serve this year as an Aide to the Grand Marshal.
Her most treasured role is mom to Michael (3) and Mila (2), and wife to Dan Liberatori. They are parishioners at St Joseph’s in Bronxville and St. Therese of Lisieux in Montauk.
Kate Kiernan-Goodwin
Kate Kiernan-Goodwin, born in Yonkers to the late Robert and Lucille Kiernan, grew up surrounded by family, including siblings Kerrie, Keith, her twin sister Colleen, and late brother, Christopher. Kate attended St. Anthony’s Grade School, Sacred Heart High School, and Mercy University. Later, enriching her professional growth, she earned certificates from Embry-Riddle University and UCD Smurfit School in Dublin.
In 1984, Kate married Dublin born Eamonn Goodwin, who emigrated to the US with his family when he was young. Their daughter, Maggie is inspiring young minds as a fourth-grade teacher. Kate is an aunt and great aunt to many. She is a parishioner at St. Anthony’s Church.
Kate fell in love with Ireland on her first visit, at the age of 18, when Eamonn brought her “home” to Dublin to meet his extended family.
In 1982, Kate applied for a summer position as Call Center Agent at Aer Lingus. A temporary role evolved into an impressive 43-year career with the airline. Kate has held a variety of positions, including in the Call Center, Revenue Management, Sales Operations, and Leisure Sales. Today, she serves as Head of Global Business Development and Sales Support, leading a team of ten in Long Island Corporate offices and at Aer Lingus Headquarters at Dublin Airport.
Beyond work responsibilities, she is active on the Inclusion and Diversity Team at Aer Lingus and participates in its Women’s Network. Her advocacy is evident in causes such as the annual breast cancer walk and supporting St. Baldrick’s activities, making a positive impact in her workplace and wider community.
Kate’s career afforded her the privilege of serving as an escort on Project Children charters from Belfast to New York, facilitating meaningful exchanges and lasting connections between communities.
Kate was former President of the Irish Airlines Federal Credit Union in Melville, NY. She has extended personal support to many in the Yonkers community, helping them travel to Ireland for both joyous and somber occasions. Kate Kiernan-Goodwin exemplifies dedication, leadership, and compassion. Her deep ties to Yonkers and her Irish heritage, and service to Aer Lingus have touched countless lives.
Kate proudly follows in the footsteps of her brother Chris, a former Aide to the Grand Marshal, and her sister-in-law Moira Kiernan, a former Grand Marshal, in the prestigious march up the Avenue for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. She looks forward to “Meeting you all on McLean.”
Sheila M. Halligan
Sheila M. Halligan is the oldest daughter of Patricia and James Halligan. A dual citizen of Ireland and the US, her paternal grandparents emigrated from County Mayo and her maternal great-grandparents from Kilkenny and Carlow. She spent her first 10 years in Yonkers, attending St. Joseph’s School in Bronxville, with her sister Colleen. Sheila is a parishioner of St. Joseph’s. Most Sunday afternoons, she keeps her father’s love of Irish music alive, by tuning into Ceol na nGael on WFUV.
At The Ursuline School, Sheila was a member of the Gaelic Society, and at SUNY Geneseo, studying Elementary Education, she joined the Irish Student Union and Royal Lady Knights, a social-service organization. A semester at St. Patrick’s College in Drumcondra, Dublin, sparked a passion for traveling and experiencing local cultures.
While earning a Master’s in Literacy from The College of New Rochelle, Sheila followed her grandmother’s and parents’ footsteps to teach in the Bronx with the NYC Dept. of Education. She is in her 20th year at Yonkers Public Schools, after teaching in Mount Vernon, North Rockland, as well as England and Italy. She earned a second Master’s in School Leadership from The College of Saint Rose and a Gifted Learning Certificate from CUNY Hunter. She is currently a Reading Teacher at PEARLS Hawthorne, a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School.
A lifeguard for over 30 years, Sheila is Pool Director at Larchmont Yacht Club. Each July, she participates in an open water swim in Long Island Sound with Swim Across America, raising money for cancer research in the NYC area. This summer, she has a new role with SAA-LIS, coordinating pool swims, for those who wish to join the fundraising in the comfort of a pool.
Sheila enjoys skiing and swimming in new places, and plans visit all 50 states, with only 6 to go. At the Davenport Club, she is learning pickleball, and relaxes on the beach. She enjoys sharing a good laugh with good friends.
In 2011, Sheila joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Our Lady of Knock, Division 19, Yonkers. She has enjoyed the camaraderie of her sisters and currently serves as Secretary. Sheila is beyond proud to represent her sisters as an Aide to the 2026 Grand Marshal on McLean Avenue!
Geoffrey Keating
Geoffrey Keating, a lifelong resident of Yonkers, is the second of four children of Richard and Joyce (Read) Keating. He is proud of his Irish heritage, which has roots on both sides of his family. His paternal grandparents and great-grandparents are from Counties Limerick and Waterford. His maternal great-grandparents are from County Galway.
Geoffrey is a graduate of Sacred Heart Elementary and High Schools, and is an alumnus of Westchester Community College, with an Associate Degree in Accounting.
He has worked for the City of Yonkers Department of Public Works for 28 years. As a Sanitation Worker, he is a proud Teamster in Local 456. In addition to being employed by Yonkers, Geoff is an extremely active member and volunteer in the community.
For the past ten years he has served as President of the Lakers Athletic and Social Club, which was established in 1961. He leads the membership in multiple community activities, such as Relay for Life, the Thanksgiving Food Drive, The Lakers Annual Memorial Mass, the Lennon Park/Lake Avenue Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, and volunteering at Untermyer Gardens Conservancy Grand Holiday Illumination.
He is also a committee member of North Yonkers Community Fund, which raises scholarships for elementary, high school, and college students. He assists with their Annual How-do Golf Outing, Chili Hilly 5K Charity Run/Walk, and the Bowling Night Fundraiser.
Geoffrey has been a proud participant, marching in the Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade for over 40 years with Sacred Heart Schools and The Lakers Club. He is delighted to serve as Aide to the Grand Marshal this year, as he was in 2024 when his sister, Jennifer Keating McSpedon represented LAOH as an Aide.
Geoffrey is a valued member of AOH Myles Scully Division One, and he is grateful for the support of his AOH brothers, who continue to uphold their oath of Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.
Geoffrey and his wife of 24 years, Margaret Cooper, currently reside in Northwest Yonkers and are parishioners of Saint Anthony’s Church. His greatest accomplishments are his twin sons, Colin and Emmet, who carry on the tradition of service to others.
Jennifer Murphy Oelkers
Jennifer Murphy Oelkers is a lifelong Yonkers resident with deep roots in the Yonkers Irish American community. Most of her great-grandparents either came to Yonkers from Ireland or were born here to their Irish immigrant parents, drawn by the prospect of work in the Alexander Smith carpet factories, the lighting and gas company, and other Yonkers industries. They came from Counties Waterford, Galway, and Wexford, and went on to become active members of Yonkers Catholic parishes and organizations, including Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s, and St. Paul the Apostle, and of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Jen is the proud first daughter of Judge J. Emmett and Deborah Brill Murphy. She has a brother John Emmett Murphy III and sister Katie Murphy Dedde. Her father, Emmett has held several elected positions, including Chief Judge of Yonkers City Court and Supreme Court Justice of the 9th Judicial District. He was also Grand Marshal of the Yonkers St. Patrick’s Parade in 2005.
Jen attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Good Counsel Academy in White Plains. As a child, she also received an education, observing and helping with the election campaigns that were going on around her.
After successfully managing her father’s final campaign, she was asked to run several other judicial campaigns, kicking off a career as a successful campaign manager and consultant in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess and Orange Counties. She has since managed or advised on dozens of campaigns over the last nearly 20 years, including races for Supreme Court Justices, City Court Judges, and the Westchester County District Attorney.
She is active in her community, particularly the Yonkers football community, both youth and high school.
Jen is proudest of her family: her five children Lucy, Atticus, Noah, Eamon and Alice, and her husband, Yonkers Police Officer Chris Oelkers. They are parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Yonkers.
Frank O’Keefe
Frank O’Keefe, youngest of six children of Nora (Curran) and James O’Keefe, both from County Kerry, grew up in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx. Frank attended Mt. St. Michael Academy and graduated from St. Leo University with a degree in History.
He worked for the New York Post for 23 years, as a member of Local 1 Paper Handlers Union, serving as Recording Secretary for 10 years. He then joined NYC Department of Sanitation, where he was employed for 23 years, rising to the rank of District Superintendent. He retired from DSNY in 2013, and is currently a Tour Guide at Yankee Stadium.
At DSNY, he joined the Emerald Society, serving as Board Member, Scholarship Chair and Journal Chair for many years. He played drums in the DSNY Emerald Society Band, and was their Secretary.
Frank joined the Kerry Association in 1975. Among the positions he held is President from 2018-2020, following in his father’s footsteps, who was President from 1953-1955. Frank now serves on the Board of Kerry Association Property Inc. and is a delegate for the Kerry Assn. to the United Irish Counties.
As a long-standing member of the Grand Council of United Emerald Societies, he served as President for two terms. He has been on the NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration Committee for the past 10 years. He is Secretary of the Narrowbacks, Thomas Minogue Division, and a member of Division 9 of AOH New York County.
Frank and Mary Kenney, his wife of 49 years have been Yonkers residents for the past 46 years, and raised their three children here. They are parishioners of St. John the Baptist Church.
Family is Franks’s true passion. Eldest son Patrick and wife, Megan have children: Brynne and
James. Son Sean and wife, Donielle have children: Brendon, Kyleigh, Declan, Timmy and Maeve. Frank’s daughter, Molly served as the 2011 Southern California Rose of Tralee.
Frank has participated in the Yonkers Parade since he marched proudly up South Broadway in the ’50’s, holding his father’s hand. Spending much of his childhood on McLean, passing St Barnabas, where he attended grade school and received all his sacraments, add to this very special honor. Frank wishes to dedicate this day to honor his older brother, Paddy who died serving his Country in South Viet Nam in March 1968.