Harckham Honors Two SD40 Residents During Irish Heritage Month Commemoration

Shrub Oak, NY – In celebration of Irish Heritage Month 2025, New York State Senator Pete Harckham honored two standout residents from the 40th Senate District—Tara Keegan, Putnam County Director of Tourism, and Brendan Tully, a Yorktown Heights attorney—for their exceptional contributions to local, state, and national organizations while promoting Irish cultural traditions. 

“When we celebrate Irish Heritage Month we recognize the profound contributions of Irish Americans to our culture, economy, and arts. It’s an opportunity to honor the diverse perspectives and experiences that have shaped New York’s identity and celebrate their lasting impact on our society,” said Harckham. “I congratulate our honorees for their remarkable achievements. Tara has done outstanding work in promoting Irish cultural heritage, while Brendan has been a steadfast advocate for victims of accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. These two individuals exemplify the strength and dedication of our state’s Irish American community, and I am proud to honor and congratulate them for their tireless efforts in enriching the lives of others.”

Harckham presented Senate Proclamations to the two honorees at a ceremony held on Saturday, March 23, at the John C. Hart Memorial Library in Yorktown, where he was joined by Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman and members of the honorees’ families to commemorate the two individuals. 

The ceremony aired live on Facebook; to see a video of the event, click here. 

Tara Keegan, a first-generation Irish American, is a Brewster High School graduate with a Political Science degree from the University at Albany. She has built a strong public service career, working in the County District Attorney’s Office before rising from intern to Chief of Staff for Assemblymember Steve Katz.

A dedicated community organizer, Keegan actively promotes Irish heritage in the Hudson Valley. Since 2018, she has served as publicity secretary for the Northern Westchester-Putnam St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, leading outreach, fundraisers, and the Grand Marshal Installation Dinner. Keegan is also a longtime member of the Emerald Association of Putnam County, where she has held board and recording secretary roles. She plays a key part in organizing the association’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance and the Putnam County Feis, a major regional Irish dance competition.

Brendan Tully is a distinguished trial attorney and partner at Simon Greenstone Panatier, P.C., where he leads the firm’s New York office and international practice. A Fordham University and Albany Law School graduate, he has spent over 15 years representing veterans, workers, and families harmed by asbestos products.

Tully secured millions for his clients and achieved landmark legal victories in both state and federal courts. In 2015, he won New York’s first verdict holding a company liable for asbestos-contaminated cosmetic talcum powder. His innovative work in international product liability has helped mesothelioma victims worldwide recover tens of millions of dollars.

Additionally, Tully has lectured in the U.S. and U.K. on asbestos litigation, trial advocacy, and public health. Committed to workers’ rights, he actively supports unions by walking picket lines, speaking at rallies, and advocating for fair contracts and safe conditions.

Deeply involved in his community, Tully coaches youth football and lacrosse and works with local organizations to improve life in the lower Hudson Valley and the Bronx. 

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.