Author: icc-admin

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 10! The Irish Cultural Center presents the return of the our Celtic Music Festival. This free event will feature Billy Eagan and The Rising, plus the Celtic-influenced jam band Kilashandra, and our traditional Irish music session.

Doors and the Trinity Pub bar open at 12 pm. Kitchen opens at 1 pm. Enjoy fresh mini donuts from Wake the Dead Donuts, and a special menu from the Trinity Pub. 

Music Schedule:
• 1–3 pm Kilashandra (patio)
• 3–4 pm Traditional Irish music session (inside the pub)
• 4–6 pm Billy Eagan and The Rising (patio)

Update: the hurling & Gaelic football showcase with Hartford GAA is canceled due to the wet field conditions.  

Free admission. The entertainment takes place in the Trinity Pub and on the covered outdoor patio. Guests are welcome to bring chairs for additional seating on the field. Plus, the kids can jump in our Kerry Castle bounce house!

Presenting Business Sponsor: Westfield Bank. Thanks to all our Sponsors >

This festival is supported by the Mass Cultural Council.

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 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.

The first topic is a general history of Ireland from ancient times to the present day. The course module for May 2025 is The Irish Free State from 1922 to 1937. Takes place on Thursdays, May 15, 22, 29 and June 5 from 7:30–9:00 pm.
• View course information and register >

The second topic is a general history of each of the thirty two counties in Ireland. Featured in May 2025 is The History of County Armagh. Takes place on Thursdays, May 15, 22, 29 and June 5 from 6:00–7:30 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.

Springfield resident Rose Boyle has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England. Boyle happily committed to serving, and especially being named to the Cultural Events Committee.

Boyle was born and raised in Springfield, spending 30 years living on Hungry Hill, and still resides in the Atwater Park neighborhood, just a stone’s throw away from her childhood home. Growing up in an Irish community deeply rooted in traditions has kept Boyle connected to the culture throughout her life.

Though currently semi-retired, Boyle has always found joy in staying involved locally. In addition to her involvement on the ICC board, she is the Secretary of the Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center in Westfield, which is affiliated with the Sisters of Providence in Holyoke, and is active in the Atwater Park Civic Association. When asked to put her name forward for the ICC Board, she was thrilled to accept and grateful to be voted in.

ICC President Sean Cahillane welcomed Boyle to the board that oversees all aspects of the organization, now in its 26th year.

“I foresee Rose playing a big role in the Events Committee and helping the ICC with the dynamics of opening and promoting the future Community Performance Center,” Cahillane said.

Boyle says, “I look forward to contributing to the board’s work and continuing to strengthen the bonds of our Irish-American community here in western Massachusetts.”

In 1987, she married William Boyle, and they have three adult children and one grandchild.

West Springfield native Caroline Morrissey has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, bringing with her a wealth of global experience and a deep passion for Irish heritage.

Morrissey, a proud Colby College alumna, earned her Master’s in International Administration with a Policy Focus from the University of Denver. She spent nearly a decade working in post-conflict zones across Africa, most recently serving with President Carter’s The Carter Center in Liberia, before returning to Western Massachusetts just before the pandemic.

Since returning, she has been an active member of the ICC’s Events Committee, where she founded the ICC Book Club—a now-thriving literary group that she continues to moderate monthly. In summer 2024, she took on a larger leadership role by joining the ICC Board of Directors.

ICC President Sean F. Cahillane welcomed Morrissey to the board, recognizing her dedication and breadth of experience.

“Caroline’s passion for cultural engagement, combined with her extensive international work and deep Irish roots, make her a tremendous addition to our leadership team,” Cahillane said. “She has already contributed so much to the ICC, and we’re thrilled to have her guiding us into the future.”

A lifelong traveler who has visited 50 countries, Morrissey takes immense pride in her Irish heritage, with family ties to County Galway, Westmeath and Wexford. She is also the proud new mom of Mae, a beloved presence at the ICC and likely its youngest patron.

In her role on the board, Morrissey will continue to foster community connections and support the ICC’s Capital Campaign, which aims to develop its first-class Community Performance Center to showcase Irish arts, music and culture for generations to come.

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, May 8 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC.

We are reading The Wilderness Way by Anne Madden. 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
Ten years ago Declan Conaghan’s father died in the Great Famine, and since then, Declan has kept his promise to keep his family out of the workhouse. But all that is threatened with the arrival of new landlord, John Adair. Adair is quick to cause trouble and fear among his tenants. When he turns them off his land, Declan has no option but to break his promise…

Declan is in despair until he receives a letter from America offering him the chance of a new life and salvation for his family. But it would mean signing up to the US Army and fighting for Lincoln. Despite knowing nothing of war, or US politics, Declan leaves behind all he knows.

Set against the wild landscapes of Ireland and the turbulent times of the American Civil War, this sweeping narrative takes us on an epic journey to understand the strength and endurance of the human spirit.

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

Anne Madden is visit the ICC in person to discuss her novel on May 4! Register here >

Books for Upcoming Meetings
June 12: The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins

The ICC invites you to a special evening with celebrated Irish fiddle player Gerry O’Connor, from County Louth. Unanimously considered a master fiddler by his peers, Gerry tours the world teaching and performing at festivals and prestigious venues, and with the iconic Irish Rovers. Gerry has performed and recorded with his bands Lá Lúgh, Skylark, and Oirialla, and toured and recorded with members of Boys of the Lough, The Chieftains, Bothy Band and more.

This performance on his Northeast tour takes place on Sunday, May 18 at 5:30 pm at the ICC’s Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub. Doors open at 4 pm. Food and drinks will be available for purchase (not included in ticket cost). Guests are encouraged to arrive early if ordering food.

Tickets
Tickets are $25 for current ICC Patrons, and $30 for the general public in the main room. Tickets for the rear room, which has an obstructed view of the show when seated, are $20/ICC Patrons and $25/general (the music can still be heard, and guests may stand in the main room during the show).

Purchase your tickets online or call 413-342-4358.

Joining Gerry is guitarist and singer Kevin McElroy. For the past three decades Kevin has performed regularly with such luminaries as Séamus Connolly, Brendan Tonra and Joe Burke. Gerry’s expressive melodies and Kevin’s tasteful accompaniment come together through a seamless bit of musical alchemy.

This is a seated show, including tables with regular chairs and taller bistro-style, and the bar. Seating location is first come, first served. Please let us know if accessible seating is needed.

About Gerry O’Connor
Originally from Dundalk, Co. Louth, Gerry grew up in a family of musicians, dancers and singers. From an early age Gerry was involved in Irish music, winning numerous All Ireland awards in a range of duets, trios and céilí band titles. Gerry is a four-time winner of the Fiddler of Oriel competition, and in 2018 was awarded the Ceannródaí, the prestigious Bardic Award by Comhaltas for his valued contribution to the Trad Arts. He also launched his second solo album Last Nights Joy and published The Rose in the Gap Dance Music of Oriel from the Donnellan Collection, not heard for a hundred years. His critically acclaimed solo album Journeyman was heralded as a milestone in the recorded music of the Oriel region of South Ulster.

” … this is one fiddler whose pulse is quickened by the sheer delight in the tunes, rather than in the accolades that might accompany them.” – The Irish Times

About Kevin McElroy
Kevin has celebrated Irish traditional music since his teens, singing and playing guitar, fiddle, banjo and mandolin. Kevin had the good fortune to play with and learn from some of Boston’s best Irish musicians, including Brendan Tonra, Mike McDonagh, Larry Reynolds, and the Connaught Céilí Band. Kevin played regularly with Séamus Connolly and has shared the stage with Joe Burke, Paddy Keenan, Jerry O’Sullivan, Father Charlie Coen and Séamus Egan. Kevin performs at many fine venues and festivals across the U.S. and Canada, teaches workshops and hosts concert series. Kevin’s solo performances include traditional songs as well as instrumental pieces played on fiddle, banjo and mandolin.

Presenting Sponsors
Westfield Bank, Freedom Credit Union. Thanks to our Business Sponsors.

All sales are final. Refunds are given ONLY in the event of cancellation by performers.

The ICC is proud to welcome Irish author Anne Madden for a special afternoon of storytelling, history, and community on Sunday, May 4. Visiting from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Anne will join us to discuss her debut historical novel, The Wilderness Way, and share insights from her fascinating career in journalism and environmental advocacy.

All are welcome to attend this free event – whether you’re a Patron, a Book Club member, or simply someone with a keen interest in history, literature and community conversation.

Join us for this engaging literary event:
• Doors open at 1:00 pm
• Author talk begins at 2:00 pm
• The Trinity Pub bar will be open for service
• Following the talk, the ICC Book Club will host a potluck luncheon (please note: the kitchen will be closed)

We kindly ask that you register in advance. Register here >

Anne Madden is a former news journalist with The Irish News and Belfast Telegraph, where she reported on the social and political heartbeat of Northern Ireland. More recently, she has worked as an environmental lobbyist at Stormont, channeling her passion for preserving Ireland’s natural landscape. A lifelong lover of history, Anne now brings the past to life through fiction.

The Wilderness Way is Anne’s powerful debut novel – a sweeping tale set against the wild landscapes of Ireland and the tumultuous backdrop of the American Civil War. Through richly drawn characters and vivid historical detail, the novel explores themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet an exciting new voice in historical fiction and enjoy a warm afternoon of culture, conversation, and community. We look forward to welcoming you!

This event is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

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 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.

The first topic is a general history of Ireland from ancient times to the present day. The course module for April 2025 is The Anglo-Irish Treaty and Irish Civil War. Takes place on Thursdays, April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8 from 7:30–9:00 pm.
• View course information and register >

The second topic is a general history of each of the thirty two counties in Ireland. Featured in April 2025 is The History of County Down. Takes place on Thursdays, April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8 from 6:00–7:30 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.

West Springfield resident Lynn McCarthy has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England. McCarthy happily committed to serving, and especially being named to the Cultural Events and Marketing, Communication and Public Relations Committees.

Born and raised in West Springfield, McCarthy is the daughter of Janet McCarthy and the late Derry McCarthy.

McCarthy recently retired from her full-time job at Effectv, which is the advertising arm of Comcast. She has worked part time for the Town of West Springfield Recreation, teaching Yoga and Aerobics for many years. She also now also teaches at the West Springfield Senior Center, along with some bartending duties at the Tatham Social Club.

ICC President Sean Cahillane welcomed McCarthy to the board that oversees all aspects of the organization, now in its 26th year.

“Lynn McCarthy has the kind of dedication and energy that we love at the Irish Cultural Center,” Cahillane said. “She has already made a big difference, and we look forward to working with her in the future. Lynn will serve on our Marketing Committee; with her experience this will be a premier appointment as we strive to open up our Community Performance Center on the top floor. Lynn will also work on the Events Committee creating new attractions and bringing a variety of quality cultural events to the ICC to be enjoyed by the wider community.”

McCarthy is a board member of the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee and was the West Springfield Parade Marshal in 2016. She is a past member of the Recreation Commission, Town Meeting Member and the Conservation Commission. She was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from West Springfield High School in 1989, and the Recreation Award from Park and Rec in 2011.

McCarthy has also been very active as a Local Program Coordinator for the West Springfield Special Olympics Program for over 25 years, running 4 basketball teams, 2 softball teams, 2 flag football teams and a cheering squad throughout the year. She was inducted into the Special Olympics Massachusetts Hall of Fame in June 2023.

This board appointment highlights McCarthy’s involvement in Irish events, visiting Ireland, and loving everything about its culture and history. “Our family has been instilling our Irish Pride and Heritage all my life, so this is a perfect relationship to work with the Irish Cultural Center – they have come so far, but there is still so much to do!”

McCarthy says that “giving back” is her passion. And as the old Irish quote goes “I should go anywhere I like to, even if I haven’t been invited, since I haven’t been un-invited!”

The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England holds its 24th annual Lá na Gaeilge (Irish Language Day) on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The event will take place in Berchmans Hall at Elms College in Chicopee, MA. It is an opportunity for those with an interest in this ancient language, which is now enjoying a resurgence, to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of this vital component of Irish culture.

Lá na Gaeilge begins with registration at 8:30 am and concludes at about 5:00 pm. The cost is $50 per person / $45 for ICC Patrons / $15 for students aged 21 and under. Includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Registrations are due by May 2. To register:
• Register and pay online (service fee will apply) >
Or
• Download and mail in a registration form with payment >
(mail in registrations must be received by April 28)

Lá na Gaeilge is a unique opportunity to encourage and take part in Irish language learning at all levels, from very beginner to advanced. As well as instructional classes, Lá na Gaeilge includes a choice of workshop (tin whistle, hurling, or traditional Irish font), raffle, and a lecture on the ‘Women of the Gaelic Revival’ given by Édith de Faoite, Elms FLTA. The event concludes with music session.

Learn more and see the full schedule >