The Annie Moore Award is bestowed upon an individual who has made significant contributions to the Irish and/or Irish American community and legacy. The Annie Moore Award is named for the first immigrant to be processed at Ellis Island.
The award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence
through business, education, or the arts.
The 2023 Annie Moore
Award will be presented to John Carr.
Desmond started in the hotel and restaurant business at the age of 14 in his native Dublin, along with his four brothers, all following their father William Lloyd, himself a chef, into the business. By age 18 Desmond was setting sail on prestigious passenger liners, including those of the Pacific, Orient, and Cunard lines, and on the RMS Queen Elizabeth, traveling all over the world while honing his skills as a waiter, wine waiter, and captain in the most prestigious of settings.
In 1963 Desmond and his wife Alice immigrated to the United States, where they made their home in New Jersey. Desmond worked for various restaurants within the Rod Keller family, first as a waiter but eventually reaching the position of general manager at Rods Steak and Grill in Morristown. Desmond remains grateful for his 18 years of working with the Keller family.
Once opened in Morristown, Desmond’s Grand Café took a mere six months to receive three stars from the New York Times. Recognition from the Times as well as excellent ratings by the Zagat Guide have been frequent throughout the years.
John is very proud of his Irish heritage. He can trace his
Irish roots to both County Donegal and County Roscommon where his paternal
great-grandparents and his maternal grandparents emigrated from respectively.
He credits his parents and family for instilling a strong sense of pride in his
Irish heritage.
As a charter member of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh
(FSOS), Jersey Shore Chapter, John has dedicated the past 32 years to serving
the club and his community. John served on the Executive Board of the FSOS as
1st and 2nd Keeper of the Shillelagh, Corresponding Secretary, Trustee, Vice
President, and President. Some of John’s undertakings include Chairman of the
Annual Christmas Toy Drive which benefits dozens of local charities as well as
thousands of less fortunate members of the community. He is also instrumental
in organizing the annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt and Christmas Party for the
members’ children and grandchildren for 20 years. In 2004, John was named
Hometown Hero by the Asbury Park Press.
In 2008, he was honored as the “Irishman of the Year” by the Friends of
Brian Boru in Essex County. In 2009,
John was honored as the FSOS “Irishman of the Year.” Additionally in 2012 John
was honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Belmar/Lake Como Saint
Patrick's Day Parade. He has also served as past chairman and is the current
president of The New Jersey Irish Festival held at Monmouth Racetrack. Each
year the festival committee makes many contributions to local charities; John
is proud of the contributions made. Finally, John was an honoree of the Giblin
Association’s 2016 Community Service
Award.
As a charter member of the FSOS, John has seen the
membership expand and thrive. He is
proud to have been part of the building committee responsible for the new
Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh clubhouse. John worked tirelessly to ensure the
project moved forward successfully. His selflessness and boundless energy is an
inspiration to all who know him.
John is a proud graduate of Seton Hall University, and he is currently employed by North Star New Jersey Lottery as a sales representative. John currently resides in Oakhurst with his wife Eileen and their children, Evan, Bill, and Caroline.
