By Brendan McGovern
On Tuesday, April 22, friends, supporters, and Irish Republicans gathered at Bobby Van’s Steakhouse on West 50th Street in Manhattan for the annual Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation Chieftain’s Dinner. Organized once again by Marty Glennon, the event brought together a powerful cross-section of Irish America, united not only in remembering Martin McGuinness, but in recommitting to the cause he held dearest: a free and united Ireland.
The evening was a testament to Martin’s enduring legacy, and to the work that remains ahead. From union leaders and Brehon Law Society members, to longtime activists and young first-time attendees, the room was filled with passion, purpose, and a clear sense that Martin’s work is far from finished, it’s ours to carry forward.
A Leader Remembered
We gathered not just to reflect, but to build. As Marty Glennon reminded us in his opening remarks, Martin McGuinness wasn’t simply a politician, he was a Chieftain. A leader of people. A visionary who led from the front, who believed not in followers, but in creating new leaders.
Martin’s evolution – from a freedom fighter in Derry, to Sinn Féin’s chief peace negotiator, to Deputy First Minister – was driven by a single goal: uniting our people and our island. His legacy, as President Clinton once said, was that “his word was as good as gold.” And those who met him, including many of us in the room, knew that to be true.
Marty shared personal stories of Martin’s humility and integrity, including his early engagements with the Suffolk Brehons – once apolitical, until Martin and others drew them into the peace process with quiet strength and sincerity. Whether sitting next to Ian Paisley or encouraging young republicans across the island, Martin showed us that true leadership is built on respect, courage, and vision.
A Future in Capable Hands
Our guest speaker, MEP Kathleen Funchion, delivered a deeply personal and powerful address. Speaking with conviction and warmth, she spoke of Martin not only as a national figure but as a mentor who supported her from her earliest days as a Sinn Féin candidate in Kilkenny.
Kathleen reminded us of Martin’s extraordinary generosity – how he took time to encourage young leaders, even during the busiest moments of his life. She recalled how he visited her home during her first election campaign, checking in as she balanced motherhood and politics. It was clear: Martin believed in people and in investing in the next generation of republicans.
Her speech also offered clarity and urgency. She affirmed what so many of us know: there will be no United Ireland without Irish America. Just as we played a key role in the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement, we must now be central in pressing for unity referendums, challenging both the British and Irish governments to act, and demanding that the people have their say.
Irish America Still Has a Role to Play
Kathleen made clear that Irish unity is no longer an aspiration – it is a matter of preparation. The Good Friday Agreement gives us the mechanism. The people have the will. What is needed now is leadership and pressure from every quarter, and especially from Irish America.
The support of our generous sponsors helped make the night a success:
Ullico • Brehon Law Societies of NYC & Nassau County • Long Island Friendly Sons of St. Patrick • NYC Carpenters • Plumbers Local 1 • Steamfitters Local 638 • Central NY Area Labor Federation • Eddie Boles at CPS Optical • James Sheeran Jr. at JRS Consulting • John Dearie • Archer, Byington, Glennon & Levine LLP.
We’re especially grateful to Joseph Smith and the team at Bobby Van’s for their incredible hospitality and professionalism—service and care fitting for a night of such meaning.
A Legacy Continued
As someone who supports Sinn Féin and the mission of the Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation, I left that dinner inspired. It was especially encouraging to see so many young people in the room – new faces determined to write the next chapter in our story.
Martin is not gone. He lives in the peace we now enjoy. He lives in the opportunities we now have. And he lives in the work still to be done.
Let’s honor him the way he would want: by building a united Ireland, democratic and inclusive, one that echoes not with division, but with the laughter of our children.
And we’re not done – mark your calendars now for the next gathering in his honor: the annual Chieftain’s Walk, taking place September 14, 2025.Tiocfaidh ár lá.
