Their pursuit of the American Dream also motivated Theresa and Paul Murtaugh to keep the local Irish community “alive and kicking,” writes Fionnuala Boyle for The Irish Star.

Theresa Murtagh is a lifelong Delaware County resident.

She attended Cardinal O’Hara High School, Swarthmore College, and Villanova University School of Law and served for many years as an Assistant District Attorney in Delaware County.

Her husband, Paul, moved here from Co Cavan in Ireland in 1985 at age 20. Six months later, he founded a construction company operating now for 40 years.

“I didn’t have a specific goal; I just heard you could achieve a lot in the US. We’re lucky to live here and want to give back to others,” Paul said.

Theresa was an Irish dancer at six, competing in world championships. She started an Irish band and was the Philadelphia Mary from Dungloe in 1991.

In March, she will become the first female president of the Friendly Sons and Daughters of Saint Patrick.

True to his word, Paul has hosted more than 20 charity events, including 10 events for breast cancer vaccine research.

The couple is being honored with the American Catholic Historic Society’s Barry Award on Nov. 17.

Find out more about Theresa and Paul Murtaugh in The Irish Star.