Dan Coughlin Honored at Ohio Rose Selection

Dan Coughlin received third Westlake World Partners Founders Award.

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Local celebrity and longtime Rocky River resident Dan Coughlin was honored in February as the third recipient of the Westlake World Partners Founders Award.  The award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves through their support of the Ohio Rose Centre.

In addition to a commemorative plaque, a charitable contribution is made to a recipient of the honoree's choosing. Coughlin requested that the $1,000 donation be made to St. Edward High School, his alma mater.

Dan was recruited as event emcee for WWP’s inaugural Rose selection in 2011. Northeast Ohio’s legendary sportswriter, sportscaster and author was not only instrumental in helping to get the event off the ground through his celebrity draw, but he also is well regarded for his care in working with Rose hopefuls. 

Well before meeting them in person, Dan would familiarize himself with each entrant by reviewing application materials. When the time came to moderate on-stage interviews, he would gently humor each of his subjects, putting all at ease.

Keenly aware that the interview process generates mounting anticipation among audience members as well, Dan would occasionally launch a zinger that evoked laughter sufficient to cause some attendees to well up with tears. He could work the crowd and keep them coming back for more.

After five years volunteering as emcee, WWP’s third honoree passed the microphone to Sean Lackey, a local actor, filmmaker, business owner and CPA. Sean was assisted by 2011 Ohio Rose Bridget Linton, the broadcast journalism graduate and aspiring sportscaster who previously served as Dan's co-host and credited him for being her mentor.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Sean announced Cincinnati resident Kathleen Rose O’Donnell as the 2016 Ohio Rose while Dan enjoyed the show. 

Westlake World Partners is the non-profit group that promotes international friendships while furthering educational, cultural and civic exchange between Westlake and its Sister Cities of Tralee, Ireland and Kingsville, Ontario, Canada.  WWP manages the Ohio Rose Centre in affiliation with The Rose of Tralee International Festival.

The Festival celebrates the hopes, aspirations and accomplishments of young, modern Irish women everywhere. The Ohio Rose Centre is one of nearly 70 affiliates throughout Ireland and worldwide. The high point of The Rose of Tralee International Festival comes when one young lady from a group of 32 finalists is named as the “Rose of Tralee.”