Honor Bay Ridge Parade Marshal

Senate Resolution No. 3952 BY: Senator GOLDEN COMMENDING Martin J. Cottingham upon the occasion of his designation as Grand Marshal of the 2018 Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who work diligently to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Martin J. Cottingham upon the occasion of his designation as Grand Marshal of the 2018 Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade; and WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment, Martin J. Cottingham will have the honor of leading the 25th Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade down 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday March 25, 2018; and WHEREAS, The Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade is meant to recognize and celebrate Irish culture, heritage and pride, for those who have emigrated here from the Emerald Isle, the Irish-American community, as well as those who are Irish in spirit; and WHEREAS, Martin J. Cottingham earned his Bachelor of Science degree in organizational management from St. Joseph's College; he furthered his education by obtaining both his Master of Science in real estate development and a certificate in construction management from New York University; and WHEREAS, For over 23 years, Martin Cottlngham has worked in the real estate industry; today, he serves as Principal specializing in transaction management in Avison Young's New York office; in this capacity, he has lead the real estate team on several major initiatives such as the relocation of the National Basketball Players Association, the creation of a 5,000+ seat amphitheater in Western Coney Island, and the reduction of portfolio operating costs for Winthrop University Hospital; and WHEREAS, When he is not working, Martin Cottingham graciously donates his time and energy to supporting his community, especially his Irish brothers and sisters; currently, he holds the title of President of the Irish American Building Society, and is a vital member of the Knights of Saint Patrick, Brooklyn Irish American St. Patrick's Day Committee, and Futures in Education Board; and WHEREAS, Through his steadfast efforts, Martin Cottingham has raised funds for various children's educational programs, and served as President of both the Emerald Society and Cathedral Club of Brooklyn; since 2007, he has held the title of Chairman of the Great Irish Fair; and WHEREAS, Martin J. Cottingham's family ancestry leads straight back to Ireland; his paternal grandparents, John Cottingham hailing from Clifden, Galway, and Nora Cottingham from Swinford, Mayo; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Kathleen, and their two children, Brendan and Genevieve, all of whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing history of the United States and Ireland, and provides an opportunity for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry; and WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal for the Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, Martin J. Cottingham embodies the spirit and the cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State and Nation; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Martin J. Cottingham upon the occasion of his designation as Grand Marshal of the 2018 Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Martin J. Cottingham.