Doherty Named 'Irishman of the Year'

Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty has been named 'Irishman of the Year' by the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of the Jersey Shore, according to a borough release.

Doherty is expected to receive his award at the organization's 21st anniversary dinner on Sunday, June 16, the release says. 

"It is a great honor to receive this distinction from my Shillelagh brothers.  I truly appreciate what this means coming from such an outstanding organization," Doherty said in the release.

Doherty, elected in 2010, is Belmar’s first new mayor in over twenty years, the release says.

Doherty has a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University and currently is a financial advisor with Investor’s Bank.

“I endeavored to find a man with strong community ties and impeccable integrity, a man unafraid to speak his mind and one who can speak from his heart,” said former Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh president Ed Hunter, who helped select Mayor Doherty for this award.

Dohertyh as been to Northern Ireland several times to participate in the Bloody Sunday March in Derry and to meet other Republican leaders, the release says. He has also visited Ballybriggen, Ireland, Belmar’s sister city.

He was named one of Irish Echo’s “40 Under 40” for being an outstanding Irishman, and he received this honor at the Irish Consulate in New York City, the release says.

Mayor Doherty has served as Borough Council President, ADA coordinator, Harbor Commissioner, and Belmar Planning Board member in addition to his responsibilities as mayor, the release says. 

“Matt Doherty is not only an active member of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, but he is a leader — both as mayor of Belmar and as an Irishman. He exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated, passionate man with strong ties to his communities. He’s what we’re all about,” Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh President Robert Driscoll said in the release.

Driscoll, a retired Detective Lieutenant of the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey Police Department, will also award Mayor Doherty a World Trade Center steel cross by at the Borough Council meeting on Wednesday, September 5 at 6 p.m., the release says.