Author: icc-admin

The Irish Cultural Center has linked up with Irish historian, Sean Murphy, to introduce our community to live, weekly online Irish history courses. Sean presents two monthly topics, divided into four-week modules, on the topics of Irish history and Irish counties. On enrollment, participants will receive the Zoom link, a copy of each week’s PowerPoint presentation, and additional background materials. The courses may be taken as recordings if Thursday presents access difficulties for any reason. Participants also have a half hour one-on-one session with Sean to answer any questions on the course content.

1. History of Northern Ireland/6-Counties 1920-1937
Thursdays: July 10, 17, 24 & 31 from 7:30–9 pm.
• View course information and register >

2. History of County Fermanagh
Thursdays: July 10, 17, 24 & 31 from 6–7:30 pm.
• View course information and register >

To Enroll
The enrollment fee is $100 for each four-week course. Please contact Sean directly for information or to enroll in his course(s) – send an email to seanmurphy630@gmail.com or register at www.irishhistory.online.

About Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy was born in Dublin and came to live on Cape Cod in 2005. He has a passion for his homeland and loves to share his knowledge and interest about his heritage through classes, workshops and conversation. He is a teacher of Irish history, music, and dance.

In the world of Irish literature, June 16 is a momentous day. June 16, 1904 is the day immortalized in James Joyce’s 1922 novel Ulysses, which follows Leopold Bloom’s life and thoughts throughout this single day. The festival of Bloomsday has become a beloved celebration of the novel and its characters, and special events are hosted in Ireland and throughout the world.  

The ICC was excited to launch our first annual event for Bloomsday this past June 16. The free event was open to everyone in the community. There was no need to have read Ulysses to attend; but hopefully our guests were inspired to pick up the novel again or for the first time.

We welcomed our featured speaker, Prof. Abby Bender of Sacred Heart University, to give a fascinating look at James Joyce’s epic novel. An Associate Professor of Languages and Literature at Sacred Heart University, Prof. Bender directs the Center for Irish Studies and teaches at Sacred Heart’s campus in Dingle.

Prof. Bender presented her new research and thoughts focused on “Gathering Crumbs in James Joyce’s Dublin.” She explored the case of perhaps the most insubstantial and transitory object in the novel, the crumb. James Joyce’s encyclopedic novel Ulysses is famously considered not only the greatest, but one of the most difficult books ever written. Joyce famously said, “I’ve put in so many enigmas and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over what I meant.”

Prof. Bender followed the breadcrumbs – and sometimes, as Joyce wished, were unable to follow them – and guided attendees in finding the way, from this most insubstantial thing, to some of the novel’s big insights.

She spoke of her first time presenting at the ICC, “It was such a pleasure to talk about Ulysses with the engaged group of listeners at the ICC. So many people seemed keen to start – or restart – reading this wonderful novel! Over many years of reading it, I am always finding new sites of interest in Ulysses, and I hope these new thoughts I shared on Bloomsday, focused on at-risk children, parents, and breadcrumbs, piqued some interest. Ulysses may involve work, but it always repays the work we put into it.”

Refreshments for the event also had a Bloomsday theme. The ICC’s Trinity Pub provided light appetizers, including the novel’s famous gorgonzola sandwich that Leopold Bloom orders at Davy Byrne’s Pub. This was a popular and tasty choice among the guests.

The ICC was proud to add this new celebration of Irish culture to our programming and look forward to making this an annual event with more ways to celebrate James Joyce each year.

Prof. Bender has provided some suggestions for resources for reading Ulysses:
• Ulysses Guide >
• U22, The Centenary Ulysses Podcast >

Visitors to the Trinity Pub’s patio at the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England are treated to the charming backdrop of a traditional Irish streetscape, complete with unique storefronts sponsored by local businesses. This spring, the streetscape gained a new addition, thanks to a creative collaboration between the ICC and carpentry students from the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative.

Under the guidance of instructor Paul Iellamo, students constructed a storefront sign for new sponsor Powers Law Group. The project was unveiled on June 9, when Attorney Mary Powers saw the finished piece for the first time.

“I was impressed with the creativity of the students and how particular they were in creating the sign,” said Powers. “We are committed to supporting our community and are very proud of our Irish heritage. We believe the ICC serves as an important conduit with our sister city and for Americans in the area reconnecting with their Irish roots.”

The partnership was supported by West Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Stefania Raschilla, who praised the value of hands-on learning experiences like this one.

“These experiences allow students to apply the skills they’re learning in real-world settings, giving them a sense of ownership and pride in their work,” Raschilla said. “When students see their craftsmanship on display, it not only reinforces the relevance of their education but also builds confidence and a stronger connection to their community.”

She added that community-based learning fosters collaboration, creativity and problem-solving skills. “Whether it’s with local businesses, cultural institutions or civic organizations, these collaborations can have a lasting impact for the students and the community as a whole,” she said.

The ICC was proud to host the project and celebrate the talents of local students. 

Interested in becoming part of the Irish Streetscape? Storefront spaces are available for sponsorship, and the ICC welcomes inquiries from local businesses and supporters – please call 413-333-4951. 

Earlier this spring, the ICC hosted a special event for our Patrons at the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub. It was a chance to say thank you for their support, share updates on our Capstone Campaign for the Community Performance Center, and enjoy the company of friends who care deeply about the future of the ICC.

The event was lively and well attended, with a warm buzz of conversation and connection throughout the evening. We were honored to be joined by Mayor Will Reichelt and Senator John Velis, whose support underscores the vital role the ICC plays in our community, not just for our Patrons, but for everyone to enjoy. ICC President Sean Cahillane, Co-Vice President Kevin O’Connor, and Treasurer Stephanie Joyce also gave remarks.

Guests had the opportunity to tour the fourth floor and see the progress of our future Community Performance Center – a multi-purpose event space that reflects our vision for expanded programming, concerts, lectures, and events. While there’s still more fundraising and construction to do before the Performance Center is fully complete, Patrons were wowed by the transformation so far. Many remarked on the beautiful view looking out over the field and nature trail.

We’re currently getting closer to the installation of a new staircase that will connect the upper floors and transform the lower office space. The installation of a new elevator will follow. This next step is an exciting milestone in our campaign, and one we can’t wait to share with you!

We’ve been fortunate to receive generous capital support from local businesses, individuals, and foundations. Throughout the evening, we emphasized how essential our Patrons and friends are to this effort. 

Learn more about the Capstone Campaign and ways to support the ICC > 

See more photos in our Facebook gallery >

Join us at the ICC on Monday, June 16 and take part in the worldwide festival of Bloomsday! We welcome our featured speaker, Prof. Abby Bender of Sacred Heart University, to present a fascinating look at James Joyce’s epic novel. There is no need to have read Ulysses to attend this talk; but hopefully you will be inspired to read it if you haven’t.

Register: This event is free and open to all. We ask that you please register ahead > 

Gathering Crumbs in James Joyce’s Dublin
James Joyce’s encyclopedic novel Ulysses is famously considered not only the greatest, but one of the most difficult books ever written. Joyce famously said, “I’ve put in so many enigmas and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over what I meant.” But this story of one day’s events in Dublin, Ireland, also proceeds through the most banal of actions and objects: characters use the bathroom, buy milk, wash laundry, and dispose of trash. This talk explores the case of perhaps the most insubstantial and transitory object in the novel, the crumb. We follow the breadcrumbs—and sometimes, as Joyce wishes, are unable to follow them—and find our way, from this most insubstantial thing, to some of the novel’s big insights.

Doors open at 5 pm; the presentation begins at 5:30 pm and will last for about 45 minutes. We’re sure you will have some questions for the Q&A to follow.

The Trinity Pub bar will be open for purchase. Light appetizers will be provided. Plus, try the novel’s famous gorgonzola sandwich that Leopold Bloom orders at Davy Byrne’s Pub.

Bloomsday celebrates June 16, 1904, the day immortalized in James Joyce’s 1922 novel Ulysses. The novel follows Leopold Bloom’s life and thoughts in a single day. ~ The James Joyce Centre

About Prof. Abby Bender
Abby Bender is Associate Professor of Languages and Literature at Sacred Heart University, where she directs the Center for Irish Studies and teaches at Sacred Heart’s campus in Dingle. She is the author of Israelites in Erin: Exodus, Revolution, and the Irish Revival (Syracuse UP, 2015). Her recently published articles include “Irish Jewish Studies at the Border: Precarious Solidarity from Ulysses to Nine Folds Make a Paper Swan,” in American Journal of Irish Studies (2021), “Nursing the Revival: Patrick Pearse, Breastfeeding, and Sacrifice” in The Irish Revival: A Complex Vision (Syracuse UP, 2023), and “Shame and the Breastfeeding Mother in Ireland,” in Irish Shame: A Literary Reckoning (Edinburgh UP, 2025). She is the Irish Studies delegate for the Modern Languages Association, and recently completed a term as Literature Representative for the American Conference of Irish Studies. Her current book project examines representations of Irish motherhood and the cultural and literary history of breastfeeding in Ireland.

Come be inspired by the beautiful harmonies of the Earls and Pearls, a select group of vocalists from the former Dan Kane Singers. If you loved hearing them at our Tavern Carolers events, you will love them even more as they sing a collection of popular songs from across the decades. The Earls and Pearls have been performing in the greater Springfield area for many years at local town senior centers, summer town concerts, Irish concerts, Bishop Masses, and more. A delicious Specialty Summer BBQ Buffet created by Chef Anthony Padilla is included in ticket purchase.

Thursday, June 26
Doors open at 4 pm • Music starts at 6 pm (note time change)
• Purchase tickets online >

TO ORDER TICKETS
Purchase tickets online (see links above) or call 413-342-4358. Advance tickets for a specific date are required. Ticket price includes music performance, Chef Anthony’s Summer BBQ Buffet, and gratuity (for food only). Trinity Pub bar will be open for purchase.

Ticket Cost: $45 ICC Patron / $50 general
Includes music, buffet meal and server gratuity (for food only)

The buffet will include: Sausage with Peppers and Onions, BBQ Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Pasta Salad, Potato Salad, House Salad and Rolls.

Tickets are date specific and non-refundable. Please let us know if accessible seating is required.

Presenting Business Sponsor: Westfield Bank. Thanks to all our sponsors.

Join us in the Irish Cultural Center Book Club. We’ll enjoy good craic and delve into Irish and Irish-American literature, with guided discussion in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. This event is open to all.

Our meeting will take place on Thursday, June 12 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC.

We are reading The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins. Participants are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to get settled, perhaps grab a drink, mix and mingle. You are welcome to stay after at the Trinity Pub to socialize with dinner or drinks. 

To Register
The Book Club is free to join. Please register ahead so we know how many people to expect. Register online >

About the Book
Ireland, 1959: Young Christopher Hurley is a tinker, a Pavee gypsy, who roams with his father and extended family from town to town, carrying all their worldly possessions in their wagons. Christy carries with him a burden of guilt as well, haunted by the story of his mother’s death in childbirth.

The wandering life is the only one Christy has ever known, but when his grandfather dies, everything changes. His father decides to settle briefly, in a town, where Christy and his cousin can receive proper schooling and prepare for their first communions. But still, always, they are treated as outsiders.

As Christy struggles to find his way amid the more conventional lives of his new classmates, he starts to question who he is and where he belongs. But then the discovery of an old newspaper photograph, and a long-buried secret from his mother’s mysterious past, changes his life forever…

Available from several vendors online or your favorite local book shop. Or, check your local library.
• Amazon.com (new) >
• Better Worlds Books (used) >

Books for Upcoming Meetings
No meeting in July. 

The ICC held our 3rd Celtic Music Festival on Saturday, May 10, 2025. This free afternoon festival showcased traditional and popular Irish music in our Trinity Pub and on the outdoor patio. Thank you to the over 200 people who visited the festival throughout the day, in chilly, windy and rainy weather.

Entertainment included Celtic-influenced jam band Kilashandra, Irish rock with Billy Eagan and The Rising, and a traditional Irish music session featuring the weekly Trinity Pub session players. Wake the Dead Donuts provided delicious mini donuts for everyone’s sweet tooth.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped set up and run the festival, to our Events Committee, and restaurant staff.

Thanks to our festival sponsor, the Mass Cultural Council, and all the generous sponsors of the ICC.

See more photos in our Facebook gallery >

Join us at the ICC on Saturday, May 17 at 3 pm for a presentation by photographer Paul Griffin and to view his exhibit The Stones They Left Behind.

The Stones They Left Behind is a photographic presentation of some of the historic remnants of ancient Irish culture that inhabit the natural landscape of that beautiful and enigmatic island. Paul Griffin made this series of black and white infrared photographs during his visits to his ancestral homeland. The photographs of Neolithic  Dolmens and abandoned castles explore the intersection of history and myth, the physical and spiritual and the visual and the unseen.

The twelve black and white images were made using an infrared sensitive camera rendering aspects of the scenes beyond the visible spectrum that our eyes are normally sensitive to.

Photographer Paul Griffin lives in Leeds, MA. He has taught and worked with photography for over fifty years. His work has been exhibited in Paraguay, Washington DC, Thailand, Singapore and Northampton. His photographs have also appeared in books, newspapers, magazines, and online.

The ICC is proud to officially sponsor the UMass Gaelic Football Club. ICC President, Sean Cahillane, said, “We are thankful to be able to support and influence Irish sports, culture and history so directly in the western New England area.”

UMass played their first game at the ICC on April 27 against The College of the Holy Cross. It was great to see the excitement of the first Gaelic football game being played on our field, bringing another important element of Irish culture to the ICC for the whole community to enjoy.

Aidan Skillin, president of the UMass Gaelic Football Club, stated, “We all had a great time yesterday – the ICC was very hospitable and made us feel welcome. It was great to get down there and show what collegiate GAA has to offer. The final score was UMass: 4-5 (17) to HC: 5-1 (16). Hard fought game by both sides.”

Gaelic football has been played in North America ever since Irish immigrants brought this important piece of their cultural heritage with them. The first historical recording of the sport can be found as early as the 14th century. Gaelic football as it is played today dates back to the late 1800s. It combines suspense, skills and speed in an action-packed sport.

ICC Co-Vice President Ed Sullivan is proud of this new partnership. “It was great to see the GAA affiliation between the ICC and the University of Massachusetts Amherst come to fruition on the ICC field yesterday! A tremendous accomplishment by all concerned bringing GAA to Western Massachusetts.”

The National Collegiate Gaelic Athletic Association was established in 2009 by college students to assist in the development of new hurling and Gaelic football teams on college campuses throughout North America. (www.ncgaa.org)