Vinny Porricelli, Gerard Meagher Honored at Fordham Football Dinner with Mara Family Award, Walsh Award

New York, N.Y. - Two significant awards that pay tribute to Fordham University royalty were presented to a pair of distinguished individuals showing unparalleled loyalty to the football program at the annual Fordham Football Dinner last night (Monday, November 6) at the Yale Club in New York City.
 
The prestigious Mara Family Award, named for named for the late, legendary New York Football Giants owner Wellington Mara, FCRH '37, and his family, was presented to long time athletic trainer Vinny Porricelli.  Fordham alumnus Gerard Meagher, FCRH '74 and long a staunch supporter of the Rams football program, received the esteemed Walsh Award, presented to an individual who best exemplifies the support, loyalty and passion for Fordham Football as captured in the spirit of the late, great William D. Walsh, FCRH '51.
 
Director of Athletics David Roach welcomed the audience which included nearly 200 donors, alumni, former players and special guests.
 
Conor Mara, Wellington Mara's grandson and a fellow Fordham alumnus (FCRH '11), made the presentation to Porricelli, while Mr. Walsh's daughter, Deborah Hirsch, presented Meagher.
 
Conor Mara highlighted Porricelli's many and significant accomplishments, including his 45-year marriage to his beloved wife, Paula, and joked that Vinny's "only flaw was that he graduated from Manhattan College."
 

Said Porricelli in accepting the Mara Family Award: "The Mara name represents dignity and the right way of doing things. I had a special view of Fordham football from the sidelines and in the training room. I felt that you were about a special bond." He added that "Fordham football defined my career. It's not just what you do, it's who you are!"
 
In her introduction of Meagher, Ms. Hirsch said: "My father and Gerard Meagher had a long passion for Fordham football even though they were never on the field."
 
Meager remarked that "I am humbled and honored to receive the Walsh Award," and recalled a story when he was invited to a reception at Mr. Walsh's California home: "He had framed copies of Fordham football programs on the walls of his estate. We decided do the same thing at the Old Town Bar."
 
Meagher recalled that his "love for football began in grammar school at St. Cecelia's on the border of Greenpoint and Williamsburg in Brooklyn," and remembered a bevy of special Fordham football moments including: "I was never more proud when we walked out of Michie Stadium two years ago after beating Army, it was a longtime coming." Finally, he underlined his love, commitment and passion for Fordham football saying "to me, it's Homecoming every week."
 
Head football coach Andrew Breiner address the audience later, discussing the football program and thanking alumni and guests in attendance for their support.
 
Fordham alumnus and WFUV Radio product Connell McShane from WABC Radio's Imus in the Morning program and FOX Business Channel served as the Master of Ceremonies, and hosted an armchair discussion with Fordham senior players Garrett Donaldson (OL) and Caleb Ham (DB), which also included Giants Super Bowl champion Bart Oates and popular former Jets wide receiver Wayne Chrebet.
 
Porricelli worked with Fordham's football players and all student athletes for 35 years, including 18 years as head athletic trainer beginning in 1999, before his retirement in August.
 

In 2008, Porricelli was inducted into the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame. He joined the Fordham training staff in a part-time capacity in 1982 before becoming full-time three years later, took over as head athletic trainer after longtime head trainer Jim Wilson retired in 1999. He is just one of four people to hold the position of head athletic trainer in Fordham history. A 1973 Manhattan College graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Porricelli received his Certificate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University in 1975, and three years later a Masters in Exercise Physiology at the New York City-based school.
 
The effervescent Meager was sports editor of The Ram, the University's student newspaper, and graduated with a degree in English in 1974. He earned a master's degree in advertising management from Northwestern, and has been a familiar face at Fordham football games and events for decades. Meagher is a co-owner of the popular landmark Old Town Bar and Restaurant since 2007, after working as an ad man, with accounts that included companies like Heineken and Lysol, while bartending one night a week at the Old Town, which his father, Larry, managed.
 
About the Mara Family Award: Given annually to an individual or group who embody the best traits of a Fordham person. Named for the late, great Wellington Mara, Fordham College at Rose Hill, Class of 1937, and his family, it is awarded to those whose dedication to, and conviction for, Fordham Football best represents what the Mara family has meant to Fordham, the NFL, and all the communities they touch.
 
About The Walsh Award: Given annually to an individual who best exemplifies the support, loyalty and passion for Fordham Football as captured in the spirit of the late, great William D. Walsh, Fordham College at Rose Hill, Class of 1951, whose name can be found on the University Library as well as other areas including the Varsity Weight Room. Those receiving the Walsh Award represent cornerstones to the program who have allowed Fordham Football to continue its proud tradition.