2008 Irishman of the Year

Congratulations to Butch Konopka, "Irishman of the Year" pictured here with President John Wagle.

And how do you get to be Irishman of the year after just a few years (he joined in 2001) as a member of the Friendly Sons? You take to heart the fact that a friend sponsored you into the club and at the time of doing so he most likely said that you would be an "Asset" to the club. What's an asset? One definition of "Asset" is "A valuable quality or person". Butch has lived up to and indeed surpassed that definition.

He is a quiet and unassuming man, loved by family and friends alike and respected by all. He takes to heart his responsibility as a Friendly Son. His easy smile and quiet demeanour let you know instantly that he's a nice guy. But that's only part of the picture that is Butch. He is so much more than that, though you'd never see it unless you looked behind the scenes, that are the everyday workings of the FSOS. More comfortable in the background and rarely in the foreground, he does what needs to be done. Tiling, plumbing, roofing or indeed any task at hand, his only requirement is that it will benefit the Friendly Sons.

For all his efforts, for all his work, we are eternally grateful. And yes, it has to be said, He is truly an "Asset", he's the real deal.