Boston– The South Boston Citizens’ Association (SBCA), led by President Tom McGrath and the Executive Board, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 James M. “Jimmy” Kelly/Margaret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Award for Community Service. This prestigious award will be presented to Brian Yanovitch and Kelly Coyne Conroy in recognition of their unwavering dedication to serving others and their tireless contributions to various causes in South Boston and beyond.

The 2025 Shamrock Award will be formally presented at the 145th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet, held on March 14, 2025, at the South Boston Convention Center. The event serves as an opportunity to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and supported local initiatives.

“Brian Yanovitch and Kelly Coyne Conroy are exemplary figures in South Boston, embodying the strength and care that make our neighborhood so special,” said Tom McGrath, President of the South Boston Citizens’ Association. “Their dedication to local causes and their selfless efforts have had a profound impact, inspiring others to get involved as well. We’re honored to present them with the 2025 Shamrock Award to recognize their ongoing positive influence in our community.”

Brian Yanovitch, a lifelong South Boston resident, has devoted his life to community service. Married to Diane Benoit Yanovitch for 35 years, they have two sons, Brian Jr. and Joseph, as well as two grandchildren. Brian’s involvement in the community spans decades; he coached South Boston Little League for 15 years and South Boston Youth Hockey for 10 years. He also played in the Yawkey League for 10 years and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008. As a member of the Laborers Union for 28 years, Brian has contributed to numerous local causes, including Mighty Quinn, South Boston Special Kids and Young Adults, and L Street Brownies. His leadership in the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade and participation in fundraising events at Cape Cod Irish Village further highlight his dedication to the community.

Kelly Coyne Conroy, also a South Boston native, will be honored for her remarkable contributions to the community. A graduate of Cardinal Cushing High School, Kelly and her husband John Conroy have three children: Jack, a West Point graduate; Caroline, a senior at Curry College; and Nolan, a sophomore at Virginia Tech. Kelly and her family founded Adopt a Platoon – Southie Style after being inspired by Jack’s passion for the military. What began as a small initiative to support one platoon has grown into a community-wide effort, sending over 800 care packages to military personnel in more than 10 countries since 2021. Through community events, raffles, and partnerships with local schools, Kelly’s work has fostered a sense of patriotism and generosity, and her ongoing support of military personnel reflects the core values of the Shamrock Award.

The James M. “Jimmy” Kelly/Margaret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Award is given annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving the lives of others through volunteerism and community service. This year’s recipients, Brian Yanovitch and Kelly Coyne Conroy, embody the spirit of generosity, selflessness, and community that the award represents.

The awards will be given out at the South Boston Citizens Association Annual Banquet on Friday, March 14th at 6pm at the Convention Center.  You can learn more here.