Every year The Emerald Association hosts a
fabulous dance at the Star Ridge Center in Brewster with music by
various well known bands. The cost includes a catered dinner and
Irish entertainment. It is usually a sold out affair. The
date for the dance this year is March 15, 2008 and the chairpeople are
Christine & Eddie McDowell (ph 845-279-3380). The Emeralds of the
Year, Rosaleen and Connell Furey, will be honored at this affair.
Rosaleen and Connell Furey
EMERALDS OF THE YEAR: 2008
Rosaleen (Casey) Furey
was born in Bray Co. Wicklow, Ireland to John and Mary Casey. Rosaleen
is the 5th oldest of 8 children, including 5 sisters and 3
brothers. Rosaleen always loved Irish music and dance. Connell
“Connie” Furey was born in Lettertrain, Co Donegal, the 5th
child in a family of 12, including 4 brothers and 8 sisters. He was
educated in the National School in Letterfad, Co. Donegal. As a young
man he enjoyed Gaelic sports such as football, handball and hurling, but
also was a keen ceili dancer and loved Irish music. The plot thickens.
While working in
Northern Ireland upon completion of school, Rosaleen spied a dashing
young man who was a lovely dancer. Connie pretended to play it cool but
was completely smitten and they were inseparable. Emigration to America
and its limitless possibilities was seen as a way to achieve their
dreams, so in 1960 Connie arrived in New York and in 1961, Rosaleen
joined him. She soon secured employment with a finance company and
Connie began his career with the New York Telephone Company which lasted
for 33 years.
On December 1, 1962
Rosaleen and Connie Furey were married in St. Jerome’s Church in the
Bronx. The Furey family moved to Pawling in 1975 where they raised
their children, Nuala and Conall. Nuala is married to Michael Donnelly
and they have two lovely children, Casey and Michael and reside in
Brewster, NY. Conall is married to Kimberly Johnson and they have a
wonderful daughter Brianna and live in Atlanta, GA. Needless to say,
the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree and the Irish dancing
talents of her parents became apparent in Nuala who successfully
competed for many years in Feisannas. Both Connie and Rosaleen are
proud parents and grandparents and have a wallet of pictures to prove
it.
Rosaleen soon became
involved in the new community and when Nuala and Conall finished school,
she secured employment with Guide Communications. Rosaleen proved to be
a valuable and versatile employee and a major asset to the publication
where she was employed for 29 years. Not to be out done, Connie soon
became a constructive presence in his new community involving himself in
the Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 545, as well as a member
of the Comhaltas, Michael Coleman branch. Connie now enjoys playing
golf and both of them still love to execute their favorite dance, the
waltz.
Rosaleen and Connie
joined the Emerald Association of Putnam County 14 years ago where they
cultivated many friendships due to their outgoing nature. In addition
to their hard work and diligence, they also served as Chairpersons of
dances and worked on various committees, including the Emerald annual
Feis. They are both grateful and humbled to be honored as Emeralds of
the Year and happy to share this wonderful and exciting award with all
their family and friends.