ICC Plants Trees Thanks to Big E Grant

Something beautiful is happening outside at the Irish Cultural Center.

Thanks to a $1,000 grant from the West Springfield BIG E Trust Fund, the ICC has purchased and planted new trees: five red maples and a tulip tree.

The grant, targeted for field and landscaping enhancements, was administered by the Foundation Committee of the office of West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt.

ICC President Sean F. Cahillane said the trees are in the ground near the patio on the south side of the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub. The trees will add beauty, along with a bank of erosion prevention.

“We’re very happy to have the trees as part of our ongoing landscaping to the property,” Cahillane said. “We thank the City of West Springfield and the mayor’s office for their ongoing support of our mission.”

The ICC aims to promote Irish culture through programs including travel, music, literature, language, and gatherings.

“The beauty that the trees bring will enhance the work that we do to keep our heritage alive in the area,” Cahillane noted.

With the guidance of retired Springfield City Forester Ed Casey, ICC officials selected and purchased five red maples to line the playing field as a buffer to the parking lot and a tulip tree planted near the patio to provide shade from evening sun glare.

All the trees were selected by Ed for their suitability to the site of their new home.

Cahillane said he “is looking forward to the spring to see the trees leaf out and we are hoping the trees live a long and healthy life for the next 50 years or more.”

The trees were professionally planted by John Lyncosky of West Springfield. Joseph Brady, a West Springfield resident and ICC patron, staked the trees down with guide wiring for protection against the winter winds.

The ICC field saw plenty of activity this 2020 year as numerous local players from the West Springfield Youth Soccer Club teams used the fields for practice.

The Greater Springfield Rifles Rugby Team held practices regularly even though the spring and fall Saturday Game Day season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rifles Rugby Team at their new home field at the ICC celebrated their 50th anniversary in West Springfield. And the West Springfield High School Cross Country Team held several of their home fall meets at the Irish Cultural Center Field and on the Broad Brook Nature Trail.