PJ was born in 1960, in Brooklyn, New York, to James and Bridget Smith.  James was a Cavan man, and Bridget hailed from County Sligo. At the age of six, PJ, along with his parents and siblings, Breege, Tommy, Sean, Ann, and Seamus, moved back to Ireland to settle in a small rural parish called Ballymachugh in County Cavan.  PJ’s education began at Clonoose National School and continued at St. Patrick’s College.  After completing his studies at St. Patrick’s, he went on to work for Brady’s of Laragh House.  Although PJ learned the skills of playing football with Ballymachugh, Laragh is where he made his first mark as a football player.  In his seven years with Laragh, he won many championship medals.  Like millions before him, the burning desire to see the land of his birth led him back to New York in 1981. PJ played with Cavan juniors and seniors with distinction, winning numerous championships in the process.  In 1986, PJ was named Cavan Player of the Year.  After he hung up his boots, he continued his involvement by serving as chairperson of the club for seven years.  PJ was named Clubman of the Year in 2013 and was the Guest of Honor for the Cavan Football Club in 2014.  PJ married the love of his life, Kit Farrelly, from Bailieboro, Co. Cavan, in 1987.  They have three children, Peter, Steven, and Meaghan.  In his free time, PJ was their basketball coach, soccer coach, and Cub Scout Master.  In 2013, PJ was an Aide to the Grand Marshal for the Irish American Society Parade in Mineola, and in 2024, for the Bayside St. Patrick’s Day Parade. PJ worked for Brooklyn Union Gas Company for 35 years and has been a volunteer firefighter for over twenty years, rising from 2nd Lieutenant to Captain.  In 2016, he received a lifesaving award and was honored by the Irish Echo for his role as a first responder.  PJ became President of the Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens in 2021, serving out a two-year term.  In 2024, he was named Grand Marshal of their St. Patrick’s Day Parade. PJ has also earned two All-Ireland medals, one for singing and the other for recitation.  He currently serves as the President of the Cavan Association and the President of the United Irish Counties. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, AOH,  and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.  PJ and his family are parishioners of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Floral Park.