Oldcastle native honoured in Connecticut

Oldcastle native Tony Sheridan, the president and chief executive officers of one of the largest business groups in the US state of Connecticut, was home in Meath last week, visiting friends and relatives. Mr Sheridan was recently honoured by the Connecticut Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) when it named him Chamber Executive of the Year. He is president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. Dr Grace S Jones, president of the Chamber's board of directors, praised Mr Sheridan as a strong leader with the whole community in mind. "Tony has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Chamber, and its many members. He's done so with a singular focus and a strong determination to improve the quality of life for all in our region," she said. "He has made the Chamber the strong voice of the business community that it is today, and that is why it is so gratifying to see that his peers from throughout Connecticut have recognised this." The award was presented at the group's annual meeting at the RD Scinto Auditorium in Shelton. Mick Fleming, president of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), delivered the keynote address 'The State of the Chamber Profession: Why Chambers are essential to our economic recovery'. The award was presented by Bill Purcell, the newly elected president of the association of chamber executives in Connecticut. "This is the highest honour our group can give and Tony is extremely deserving of the recognition," Mr Purcell said. "He brings professionalism, confidence and assertiveness on behalf of his region, and he's a real champion of that region and its people." In a long and varied career, Mr Sheridan has served as first selectman in Waterford, director of human resources at Connecticut College, external relations consultant for North-East Utilities during the sale of Millstone Station and later as Manager of Community Relations for the new owners, Dominion Nuclear CT. As a young man, before he earned degrees from Connecticut College and the University of New Haven, he apprenticed in Local 305 of the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters, and became a licensed plumber and pipe-fitter. Last week, Mr Sheridan visited his native County Meath, seeing relatives and friends, including his brother, Joe, Dunshaughlin; and sisters, Maria in Lahey, Oldcastle, and Felicity Riley in Kells.