Cranford Resident Receives National Recognition For Efforts Following Hurricane Irene

CRANFORD, NJ – Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today held a special ceremony honoring Cranford resident Barry O’Donovan, the owner of Kilkenny House Restaurant and Pub.  

Earlier this year, the Seventh District lawmaker nominated the Kilkenny House and its owner, Mr. Barry O’Donovan, to receive the United States Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2012 Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery because of Mr. O’Donovan’s efforts following Hurricane Irene. Later this month, the SBA is set to formally present Mr. O’Donovan with the award.

According to the SBA, Phoenix awards are given to individuals (business owners, volunteers and public officials) whose efforts and contributions have enabled their businesses or communities to recover successfully from a disaster.

“Hurricane Irene devastated Kilkenny House along with many residences and businesses in the town of Cranford,” said Lance.  “Irene engulfed Kilkenny House with more than 20 feet of water and caused significant damage to this entire establishment. Yet today the restaurant is open for business and will be enjoyed by generations to come because of the hard work and can do spirit of Barry O’Donovan and his entire team.”

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