LYNN — The Hibernian Hall was covered in green and filled with corned beef and cabbage as the Friendly Knights of St. Patrick held their 76th annual scholarship dinner Friday evening. At the dinner, Fr. Brian Flynn of St. Mary of the Sacred Heart Parish was named Irishman of the Year.

Back in 1947, seven World War II veterans met at the Edison Hotel, forming the knights.

“After the seven founders, it’s just continued and continued,” Dave Solimine Sr., who described himself as the “grandfather” of the knights, said.

The dinner held by the group raised more than $30,000 in scholarship funds for students in Lynn. 

“We raise money for kids, so we want to make ourselves known. If (somebody) has a kid that’s entering a secondary school, whether it’s a college or a trade school, reach out to us. We’re going to try to help as many kids that we can,” Knights Vice Chairman Michael Conlon said.

The dinner featured homemade corned beef and cabbage by Knights members Dave Raymond, Jim Finigan, and Dick Callahan. For entertainment, the Irish American Police Officers Association Pipes and Drums performed, led by retired Lynn Police Sgt. and Knights member Ned Shinnick.

Flynn was awarded Irishman of the Year for his service as chaplain to the knights and as a priest in Lynn, where has been a pastor in Lynn for almost 14 years.

“I was very surprised, very happy… (I’m) glad to join a long list of Irishmen,” Flynn said.

Flynn said he is always amazed at the work the knights do for scholarships, and was pleased to be chosen this year.

“(The knights) are about having fun, raising money, and that’s it really,” Knights Chairman Bill McDonald, who emceed the event, said.