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The Hibernian-Newman Club honored the charitable acitivity and local contributions of San Francisco native John Ring at its 55th annual luncheon. The club also presented donations to local organizations like San Francisco State University's Newman Club and the CYO Caritas Creek Program. (Photo by Chloe Jackman/Hibernian-Newman Club)
March 21, 2019
Catholic San Francisco
On March 15th the Hibernian-Newman Club held its 55th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, with more than 800 in attendance. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone was among the dignitaries attending and gave the invocation.
The Hibernian-Newman Club, established in 1964 by Archbishop Joseph McGucken, provides financial support for Newman Centers and other worthy charitable organizations in the archdiocese. Club president Anthony Cuadro presented a donation to the archbishop on behalf of the club’s board of Directors to be used in support of the Newman Center programs at San Francisco State University. Donations were also presented to the CYO Caritas Creek program and the Irish Immigration Pastoral Center.
San Francisco native John Ring was honored as the 2019 Hibernian of the Year. Mr. Ring was recognized for his years of service on charitable boards including the Irish Immigration Pastoral Center, the Holy Family Day Home and the Pomeroy Center, among others. He was also recognized for his outstanding work as former alumni director at St. Ignatius High School and his current role as development director at Archbishop Riordan High School.
In his acceptance speech, Ring acknowledged those who have helped him achieve his many successes, followed up by a highly entertaining narrative about his years growing up Irish in the Sunset District.
“The humor was very West of Twin Peaks and totally enjoyed and understood, particularly by anyone who went to St. Cecilia, Holy Name, St. Gabriel, St. Brendan and SI during that time,” the club’s Jim Horan told Catholic San Francisco. “Everyone seemed to know everyone in the neighborhood, which is so San Francisco no matter which neighborhood you grew up in.”
San Francisco native Shannon Rowbury was the event keynote speaker. A graduate of Sacred Heart Cathedral High School and Duke University, Rowbury also spoke of growing up Irish in the Sunset and how Irish step dancing contributed to her tremendous success as a long-distance runner. She is a three-time Olympian, a two-time World Champion bronze medalist and an American record holder in three distances. Currently a volunteer track coach at the University of San Francisco, she is also training for the 2020 Summer Olympics. Rowbury is also a co-founder of “Imagining More,” a nonprofit that focuses on encouraging young women in education, sports and art.
Additional information about the Hibernian Newman Club, including membership information, can be found at hiberniannewman.com.