The 2011 Feis Honoree will be former Feis Chairman Edward F. Friel.

In 1964 Eddie Friel joined Division #5 in Queens County, NY.  His father Frank Friel and his uncle John Bownes were members of this division in Far Rockaway, NY.  His mother Margaret Friel was also a member of what was then called the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

As time went by Division #5 disbanded and years later Ed transferred and became an active member of Division #3 of Nassau County.  Eddie has held most elected offices in this division.  That includes Sentinel, Standing Committee, Recording Secretary, Vice President and President.  Numerous times he chaired the St. Patrick’s Celebration and golf outings.  He was chosen Hibernian of the Year in 1992.  In time Eddie became active with the Nassau County Board, again holding most of the elected positions with 2 terms as Vice-President and President.  Eddie chaired the Nassau County Ball and other events for the County.  He was the Chairman of the Nassau County AOH Feis for a total of 7 years and is still an active Feis worker. He was also elected New York State Director District #6.

Eddie was chosen as an Aid to the Grand Marshal in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1996 and is currently a delegate to the Parade Committee representing Division #3. He was also chosen Aid to the Grand Marshal of the Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2000.

Eddie is on the Board of Directors of the Irish Americans in Government.  This is a charitable organization that supports Irish causes. He is also a member of the Easter Monday Monument Committee that is responsible for the refurbishment of the monument and the Easter Monday Commemoration located in Mineola, NY. Eddie is also a member of the Irish American Society of Nassau County.

Eddie is a member of St. Mary’s Morris Stella Council of the Knights of Columbus and is a Fourth Degree Member of the Steven Moylan General Assembly.

Eddie and his wife Nina reside in Westbury and are active members of St. Brigid Parish.  They have 3 married children. Christine (Tim),  Frank Lauren) Eddie (Amy)  and a granddaughter Kyla.  His son Eddie is a member of the Tara Pipes & Drums of Division#15 in Massapequa.