Shrub Oak, NY – In celebration of Irish Heritage Month 2026, New York State Senator Pete Harckham honored three standout residents from the 40th Senate District for their exceptional contributions to local, state, and national organizations while promoting Irish cultural traditions—Ashley Rooney Hedtke from Yorktown, a Gaelic gift shop owner and community stalwart; Bernadette “Bernie” Cummins from Carmel, a former deli owner and longtime treasurer of the Emerald Association of Putnam County; and Patrick MacLennan from Peekskill, a career firefighter and paramedic who is also an active member of the Westchester County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes and Drums.

The Irish Heritage Month awards ceremony, which took place on March 28 at the John C. Hart Memorial Library here, included Harckham presenting Senate proclamations to the honorees and a New York State Empire Award to Rooney Hedtke for her Celtic Aer Gift Shop, which has made significant contributions to the Yorktown community. Joining Harckham at the ceremony was Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman, who presented a Town of Yorktown proclamation commendation to Rooney Hedtke for her shop as well, plus members of the honorees’ families to commemorate the three individuals. 

“It’s important that we honor the accomplishments of the Irish and Irish Americans here in our community,” said Harckham. “The history of the United States—and the history of New York State—is filled with the achievements and profound contributions of Irish Americans to our culture, economy, and arts. This event is an opportunity to honor the diverse perspectives and experiences that have shaped New York’s identity and celebrate their lasting impact on our society. I congratulate our honorees for their remarkable accomplishments, which are woven into the fabric of our communities. They exemplify the strength and dedication of our state’s Irish American community, and I am proud to honor them for their tireless efforts in enriching all our lives.”

To see a video of the event, click here.

A daughter of an Irish immigrant, Ashley Rooney Hedtke graduated from Lakeland High School and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Manhattan College. In 2010, she founded the Celtic Aer Gift Shop in Mohegan Lake; 10 years later, she moved the boutique to its present location in Shrub Oak, where it has continued to provide the community with a welcoming space to celebrate Irish, Scottish, and Celtic heritage through thoughtfully sourced goods, traditional craftsmanship, and meaningful cultural connections.

In addition to her work as a business owner, Ashley is deeply committed to preserving and promoting Irish culture. She is Vice President of the North American Celtic Trade Association and has served as a board member for WestPut Setanta Gaelic Football Club and the Hudson Valley Irish Fest & Center. Ashley has coached soccer with the Yorktown Youth Soccer Club and Shrub Oak Athletic Club and is an active volunteer with the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Mass and Parade. She also sponsors St. Patrick’s Day parades and committees throughout the Hudson Valley and supports community organizations, including Gaelic Athletic Association clubs and school fundraisers.

Born in County Tipperary, Ireland, Bernadette “Bernie” Cummins grew up helping her parents, who owned a local fish and chip shop. After completing her education, she worked as a bookkeeper in the state solicitor’s office. In 1972, she immigrated to London with her childhood sweetheart, Eamon Cummins, before moving to New York, where they were married. After living in the Bronx and Queens, the couple settled in Carmel in 1987.

Bernadette held several corporate administrative positions and worked as a home health aide before opening her namesake deli in Brewster and providing for more than 20 years the local Irish community with a taste of home, offering Irish breakfasts, imported candies and the opportunity to gather over a cup of tea. A longtime member of the Emerald Association of Putnam County, she has held various positions on its Executive Board and helped organize the annual Putnam County Feis, a regional Irish dance competition and celebration of Gaelic culture. In 2007, she was named Emerald of the Year by the association.

A tireless volunteer, Bernadette is a member of the County Tipperary Neighborhood & Benevolent Association of New York, a committee member for the Eastern Putnam Relay for Life and an active volunteer with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus council in Carmel. She has been a member of the Northern Westchester–Putnam St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee since 1999, serving as its treasurer for over two decades. In recognition of her exemplary service to the community, she was selected as Grand Marshal of the parade in 2015.

Patrick MacLennan was raised in the City of Peekskill. He received a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta before serving for three years as an EMT and paramedic with the New York City Fire Department. For the past 16 years, Patrick has served as a career firefighter and paramedic with the Peekskill Fire Department and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2023. In honor of his heroic actions in the line of duty, he has received four lifesaving awards and two unit citations. Aa fire instructor with the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, he trains both career and volunteer firefighters from throughout Westchester and the surrounding counties. Currently, he is the Executive Officer of the Westchester County Career Chiefs Fire Academy.

Dedicated to supporting residents and first responders, Patrick serves as an executive board member of the Peekskill Police and Fire 5K Foundation and the Peekskill Fallen Firefighters Foundation. He is an active member of the Westchester County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, serving as the Drum Sergeant and Trustee for the organization. In recognition of his contributions to the community, Patrick was named an Aide to the Grand Marshal of the 2020 Peekskill St. Patrick’s Day Parade and awarded the 2023 Peekskill Elks Lodge Citizen of the Year.

Irish Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the Irish people here in the U.S. Coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, the celebration spans the entire month of March and commemorates how the Irish people have influenced and contributed to American society.