The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Newport couldn’t decide between two remarkable women to honor separately, so they chose to give them both the 2026 Lady Hibernian of the Year award.
Paula Silvia and Sandy Gallagher were selected for the honor in recognition of their years of volunteer service and dedication to both the organization and the Newport County community.
Members of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians say the two women embody the group’s long-standing motto: “Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.” Their commitment to helping others extends beyond the organization, with both actively supporting several community groups including the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, the Mosaic Club, and the Vasco Da Gama Society.
Within the LAOH, Silvia and Gallagher have become known as the organization’s “background singers” — members who are always willing to step in and lend a hand wherever it’s needed. Fellow members say the pair consistently volunteer their time and energy without hesitation, helping make many of the organization’s events and initiatives possible.
For nearly a decade, Silvia and Gallagher have played key roles in welcoming new members through the organization’s screening committee and helping organize the popular Hibernian Children’s Christmas Party. They also assist with Rhode Island Blood Center drives organized by the LAOH and help lead the group’s Poinsettia Project, which delivers holiday plants and greetings to senior, recovering, and homebound members during the Christmas season.
Gallagher, a lifelong Newport resident, graduated from Rogers High School and spent 37 years working in the medical field before retiring. She joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in 2007. Gallagher and her late husband, Michael, share a son, James, who is married to Caroline, and a grandson, Tommy.
Silvia grew up in Newport’s historic Fifth Ward and takes great pride in her Irish Catholic heritage and faith. She spent 36 years working at Salas’ Restaurant, where she built lasting friendships with coworkers and customers alike. After the restaurant closed, Silvia continued her culinary career with Kitchen Companion Catering and McGrath Clambakes before retiring. She joined the LAOH in 2006. Silvia and her husband, Manny, live in Middletown and have two children, Corinne and Greg, along with a daughter-in-law, Nelly, and a granddaughter, Sophia.
The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Newport said the award recognizes the women’s lasting impact on the organization and the broader community.
“Newport County is incredibly lucky to have them,” the group said in announcing the honor.
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