NORTH BERGEN, NJ – (July 23, 2025) Two top leaders of the International Longshoremen’s Association – International President Harold J. Daggett and Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett – will receive recognition this Fall in Ireland for their efforts to support the building of a new civic youth center in West Belfast that will bear the name of the ILA’s International President.
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, a dedication and ground-breaking ceremony will occur for the “Harold J. Daggett Croí na Carraige Center”, a transformative space in West Belfast focusing on youth development, community cohesion, and the revitalization of the Irish language.
This center will provide a safe haven for children dealing with PTSD, offer services for youth with special needs, and become a beacon for education, cultural preservation, and community healing. Built by Glór na Móna, a grassroots organization that embodies the very spirit of the Labor movement – the center looks to uplift the working class through education, empowerment, and pride.
“It is with immense pride and gratitude that our family announces a monumental honor for my father, Harold J. Daggett, the International President of the International Longshoremen’s Association.” Dennis Daggett said at the announcement earlier this year of the West Belfast building being named in honor of his father and the ILA leader. “A new civic youth center, Croí na Carraige, is being built in Belfast, Ireland and will bear his name.”
Following the daytime ceremonies on September 25th for ILA President Harold Daggett, the spotlight will shine on ILA Executive Vice President Dennis Daggett. In a celebration that bridges continents and generations, Dennis Daggett will receive the prestigious Belfast Ambassador Medal at the Heart of Ireland Award, at the Belfast International Homecoming Gala to be held at the iconic Titanic Belfast.
Máirtin Ó Muilleoir, the Host of Belfast International Homecoming 2025 praised Dennis Daggett as a worthy recipient of the Belfast Ambassador Medal.
“The trailblazing campaign by the ILA to raise funds so that the newbuld plans of Glór na Móna could come to fruition are not just the unprecedented and inspirational, but also speak to the enduring bonds between Ireland and its ‘children in exile’,” Ó Muilleoir said.
“I am deeply humbled to accept this incredible honor on behalf of the Daggett and Moran families,” said Dennis Daggett. “As a proud descendant of Ireland on both my mother and father’s side, this recognition holds profound personal meaning. But I also know that none of this would be possible without the hardworking and selfless members of the ILA. They are the true foundation of everything we accomplish.”
The ILA Executive Vice President is grateful the ILA partnered with Glór na Móna and raise funds to build a Youth Center that ultimately benefits the those in most need of it in West Belfast. It was a double honor when the organization decided to name the Youth Center in honor of Harold Daggett.
“They chose to name this center in honor of our President -not for some fleeting PR stunt – but because they believe in the values we’ve upheld for generation,” noted Dennis Daggett. The oldest son of the ILA president, Daggett added that “the people of West Belfast saw in Harold J. Daggett and the ILA a union that never backs down, that stands with workers, and that always – always gives back.”
At the evening Gala where Dennis Daggett will be honored, there will be a focus on Belfast as a “Safe Harbour” for business, development, and innovation in a turbulent world. To recognize the deepening commercial relationship between Belfast and the Port of New York and New Jersey, the Gala will also recognize Mike Stamatis, CEO, Red Hook Terminals of New York and New Jersey; Paul DeMaria, CEO, United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and Major Craig Costello, New Jersey State Police, Commanding Officer for Port Security.
