Commodore Barry Club essay contest focuses on naval hero
The life of the Revolutionary War naval hero Commodore John Barry will be the subject of a student essay contest sponsored by a Brooklyn-based group bearing the name of the patriot.
The Commodore Barry Club of Brooklyn is inviting high school students who are interested in researching Irish American history and the contributions of Irish Americans to the U.S. to submit essays to the contest. The essays should be approximately 1,000 words in length, according to Barry Club leaders.
John Barry was an Irish immigrant who fought on the side of the colonies during the American Revolution. The club that bears his name was founded by Bay Ridge resident Mary Nolan. Nolan and other club members have been advocating for several years for Barry’s naval heroism to be included in American history courses taught in schools.