The Hibernian Benevolent Society of Atlanta will honor Msgr. Edward Dillon as “Irishman of the Year” at the annual Hibernian Ball on Friday, March 13, at the Druid Hills Golf Club, Atlanta.

Pastor of Holy Spirit Church, Atlanta, Msgr. Dillon is also chaplain of the MAPES organization, a society composed of policemen who trace their roots to the Emerald Isle. He had a major role in reorganizing the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade in Atlanta, adding several Irish-American organizations and other prominent Atlanta businesses to planning and participating in the parade.

Born in County Carlow, he studied for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s College, Carlow, and was ordained a priest in 1967. He subsequently earned three degrees, including a doctorate from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. A nationally recognized expert on canon law, Msgr. Dillon has published books and articles on procedural law and marriage jurisprudence. He is a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and a member of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Msgr. James Fennessy, pastor of St Jude’s Church and chaplain of the HBSA, will present the award to Msgr. Dillon at the society’s ball and banquet March 13.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails, followed by dinner at 7:30, and dancing and entertainment from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Dress is black tie optional.

The banquet includes a plated dinner of filet mignon and salmon, along with salad, dessert, wine and other beverages. Entertainment will be provided by the Laigh Langley Dance Band and Irish dancers from the King-O’Sullivan School of Dance.

Cost for the evening is $95 per seat, and tables of 10 can be purchased for $950.

The Druid Hills Golf Club is located at 740 Clifton Road, Atlanta.

Detailed information is available at the HBSA Web site, www.irishatlanta.com, or call chairpersons Robert and Lilly O’Neil at (770) 640-0287.