New York soccer field honours son of Leitrim emigrants

A soccer field in New York has been dedicated in memory of the late Irish-American labour leader John J. Sweeney, whose parents emigrated from County Leitrim.

Field 7 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park was officially named in his honour during a ceremony held earlier this month. The dedication recognised Sweeney's longstanding support for youth soccer.

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The soccer field is home to Goal2Goal, a non-profit organisation which provides football opportunities for young people from diverse communities.

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According to the Irish Echo, Sweeney was “a son of immigrants from County Leitrim” who “started in the Bronx and rose to the heights of the AFL-CIO presidency” before being honoured with the field dedication.

The naming ceremony brought together members of Sweeney’s family, representatives of organised labour and the local community to celebrate his legacy.